Perth will host one of Australia’s largest multi-sport festivals when the 18th Australian Masters Games returns in 2021.
Regarded as one of the premier sporting events on the Australian mass participation sporting calendar, the biennial event involves more than 50 different sports for people over the age of 30.
More than 7,000 competitors will take part in the Games, with about 5,500 visitors expected to travel to Perth specifically for the event.
The Australian Masters Games is also known for its wide range of social events, with an extensive program of live music and entertainment providing opportunities for attendees to experience Perth’s vibrant entertainment scene and premium food and wine. People visiting for the Games will also be encouraged to spend longer in the State and explore regional WA.
The 2021 event will be only the second time Perth has hosted the Games. The last time it was staged in Western Australia was in 1993.
As noted by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“The Australian Masters Games always attracts a huge number of participants and spectators, so having it back in 2021 is great news for WA.
“Western Australian holiday destinations will be promoted at a pop-up booth at the event, so visitors will be able to book trips, tours and accommodation across the State.
“This will help drive visitors to stay longer, explore Perth and disperse to WA’s regions while they are here.
“This is a key goal of the Government’s Two-Year Action Plan for tourism which aims to boost visitors to the State, encourage them to stay longer, disperse further and do more while they are here.”
As noted by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
“The Games provides a unique opportunity for older players to compete at a high level – reinforcing the importance of keeping physically active at all stages of life.
“The recent audit of the State’s elite sporting facilities demonstrated the wealth of world-class venues at our disposal, which gives WA a real advantage in attracting high participation events such as this.”
