ST. GEORGE — Norway’s Kristian Blummenfelt and Switzerland’s Daniela Ryf won the 2021 Ironman World Championship almost two weeks ago, but the economic impact of the event will have lasting benefits.
In a press release from The Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, officials announced that analysis indicates the world-renowned race in St. George delivered $41.7 million directly to the local economy.
“Tourism and iconic events like Ironman drive the economic engine of our community,” Kevin Lewis, director of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, said in the press release.
He went on to say that the money generated by taxes paid by visitors to the area represents outside money that is infused directly into local businesses.
Beyond the financials, the event likely had a significant positive impact by drawing attention to the Greater Zion area, creating jobs and reducing overall community taxes.
“With millions watching around the world and taking in the amazing scenery, this really helps raise the profile of our community on a global scale,” Lewis said. “Just as important, it helps generate excitement and foster a sense of community, create jobs and lower taxes for our residents.”
The May 7 event, and its accompanying activities, marked the first time the Ironman World Championship triathlon was contested outside Hawaii.
More than 2,800 triathletes competed, with participants from all 50 states and oer 80 countries. Nearly 12,000 guests and spectators accompanied the athletes.
The race generated more than 83,000 total room nights at hotels and rentals in Washington County. Many of the athletes visited the area ahead of time to train, boosting the overall room nights.
During the event, most competitors stayed in Greater Zion for over six nights to facilitate the full schedule of events and exploration of the area.
Overnight guests in Washington County each pay a transient room tax of 4.25%, which goes to the county for tourism development and infrastructure.
Over the past decade, $25 million from these tax funds have been invested in projects throughout the county for the benefit of local residents and visitors.
Projects supported by transient room tax funds include various trail systems, the Snake Hollow Bike Park, Greater Zion Stadium at Dixie State University and more.
St. George will host the 2022 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in October, an unprecedented third Ironman World Championship event in the past 13 months.
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