BATHURST’s business sector has told locals they are mad not to welcome the huge economic boost that fans of the Great Race bring to the city each year.
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Full house signs have gone up across Bathurst with restaurants, cafes, bottle shops and hoteliers rejoicing with establishments full of customers.
Kings Hotel manager Tim Fagan said that any locals who are not supportive of the Bathurst 1000 and the many fans the event brings only have to look at the economic impact on the city.
After 10 years of working in Bathurst’s hospitality sector, he said it is a huge money-spinner for the city.
“It’s massive and if you don’t take advantage of it you’re mad,” Mr Fagan said.
“Instead of whinging about it we should embrace it.”
Research shows the Bathurst 1000 has a huge economic benefit for the city, with a staggering $25.89 million injected into the city’s economy each year, Western Research Institute general manager Wendy Mason.
It is the equivalent of $6.47m for each of the four main days of the event.
“There’s clearly impact felt across numerous industries including retail, hospitality, transport, petrol and entertainment,” Ms Mason said.
The Bathurst 1000 injects $25.89 million into the city's economy.
- Western Research Institute general manager Wendy Mason
“It’s been happening for so many years and people associate our region with the race, it puts our town on the map.”
Ms Mason said the economic benefits of the race are also felt in other regions, with many hoteliers in Orange also booked out.
Rydges Mount Panorama general manager Shawn Pyne said the hotel was booked out three months before Race Week.
And it is not only Rydges’ accommodation that has been fully booked, with the hotel’s restaurant staff serving close to 300 meals during lunch and dinner service each day.
“It’s great for the local economy and it gives Bathurst exposure,” Mr Pyne said.
“It’s a great event for us and the community.”
Bathurst Business Chamber president Stacey Whittaker race fans’ spending is a huge benefit for the city each year.
“It’d be great to see Bathurst this busy all through the year, the retailers would love it,” she said.
Last year 201,416 people came to Bathurst for the 55th running of the Bathurst 1000.