A tennis tournament that attracts domestic and international professional players is set to return to Cairns this year.
Facilitated by the Edge Hill Tennis Club, the Cairns Tennis International Pro Tour will be held at the Cairns Tennis Centre from 29 September to 15 October this year, with the 2024 dates to be confirmed, although they are expected to be in October.
Council has committed $40,000 over two years for the 16-day event, which attracts domestic and international up-and-coming and professional players, who are chasing world ranking points and a share of $100,000 in total prize money.
The event has been held 11 times in Cairns since 2010; the 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled due to COVID-19.
The Cairns Tennis International is expected to host over 160 players and support staff, and attract 340 spectators. Of these, 220 are expected to be from out of region, staying overnight for approximately 11 nights.
The event is expected to deliver an economic impact of almost $650,000 to the Cairns economy.
