The co-founder and CEO of Supertri has said that those behind the globally-broadcast triathlon race take its economic benefit to the island “very seriously”, as Jersey prepares to welcome some of the world’s best athletes later this year.
Michael D’Hulst spoke to Express following the news that Jersey is set to become the first ever location to host five Supertri League events, after the island’s government agreed a one-year contract to host this year’s race.
The event’s return in September will mark the end of a three year hiatus, with previous races having taken place in the island in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel confirmed that funding of £100,000 would be provided for the event – citing the benefits of bringing high-profile athletes to Jersey, the boost to tourism and getting islanders involved in sport.
In 2021, Supertri said that it spent $356,000 with local suppliers in the delivery of the race, which was broadcast in more than 145 countries.
Deputy Morel has also acknowledged “considerable additional income to Jersey’s visitor economy” achieved with previous events.
Mr D’Hulst explained: “We take that very seriously. We always produce reports after the events in terms of the direct economic impact.
“We come over with a team of roughly 100 [people], they all stay multiple days, so there’s an impact there, in hotel rooms etcetera.
“But we’re also ultimately relying on local media services, local PR services, local suppliers.
“We’re spending a fair bit of money in the local community for all these different services that come into the peripheral of the event.
“There’s also an opportunity there for those local businesses to work with a global broadcaster with global expertise – I think that’s valuable.”