The world's elite surfers have gathered in Western Australia for the start of the crucial 2022 Margaret River Pro.
Tourism Minister Roger Cook will launch the event today at Surfers Point, Prevelly, with local heroes Bronte Macaulay and Jack Robinson, and the world's number one surfers Carissa Moore of Hawaii and Brazil's Filipe Toledo.
The competitors in this year's Margaret River Pro include 11-time world champion Kelly Slater.
This year's event marks the first in a three-year sponsorship agreement to 2024 between the McGowan Government and Tourism WA with the World Surf League.
The event draws thousands of spectators to the South-West with a global audience watching the action on international TV broadcasts and digital channels.
The Margaret River Pro runs from April 24 to May 4 and will inject millions of dollars into local economy and local businesses.
This year's event is crucial to how the rest of the 2022 World Championship unfolds. The men's field will be reduced from 36 to 24 competitors for the second half of the Tour based on Margaret River Pro results. The women's field will be reduced from 18 to 12 competitors.
The Margaret River Pro includes competitors from the United States, Japan, Italy, France, Brazil, Portugal, South Africa, Peru, Costa Rica and Australia.
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
"This is a world class sporting event being held right on our doorstep in one of the most special parts of Western Australia.
"The next 10 days promise to deliver competitive sport at the highest level in one of the most breathtaking locations on Earth.
"The McGowan Government is proud to support this amazing event which will showcase our South-West to a global audience and generate millions of dollars for local businesses in the region.
"We warmly welcome the competitors, their teams and spectators to the South-West and encourage them to explore the region's stunning coastline, rolling vineyards, award-winning restaurants and all-round warm hospitality.
"As visitors to Wadandi and Bibbulmun country, I also encourage everyone to connect with the region's rich Aboriginal culture."
