The city of Torremolinos became the epicenter of the triathlon world in October 2024, hosting the World Championship Finals. This event not only crowned champions Alex Yee and Cassandre Beaugrand but also left a significant economic and media footprint on the region. According to a recent report by SCE Consultores for World Triathlon and the Spanish Triathlon Federation (FETRI), the economic impact reached €43.8 million, highlighting the importance of these championships as a driver of local and regional development.
Beyond the direct economic impact, the event stood out for its massive media reach. A study conducted by IRIS revealed that over 333 million people worldwide followed the competition through television, social media, print media, and the internet, generating an advertising value equivalent (AVE) of more than €18 million. These results reinforce Torremolinos’ position as a strategic destination for high-level sports tourism.
A Significant Economic Boost
The analysis by SCE Consultores emphasized that the direct impact, amounting to €22.9 million, was mainly driven by spending from the organizers, athletes, and their companions. This initial expenditure was multiplied through local economic interactions, benefiting key sectors such as accommodation, dining, and transportation. For every euro invested by public administrations, a return of €33.71 was generated, demonstrating the event’s strong financial performance.
Additionally, 76% of respondents stated that the Championship Finals significantly improved Torremolinos’ image, solidifying it as an attractive destination for future sporting events. Furthermore, 75% of local businesses reported a notable increase in revenue during the competition days, while athletes rated the event’s organization an average of 4.06 out of 5, highlighting logistics and course design as key strengths.