An effort by local business leaders to entice the Ironman Triathlon to San Luis Obispo County recently drew Keats McGonigal, the race’s director, to the area to scout it out.
John King of King Ventures is leading the effort, but tourism officials throughout the county are vested in the potential positive economic impact it could have.
King declined to comment on the event or his efforts to bring it to the county.
The Ironman Triathlon is an elite long-distance triathlon organized by World Triathlon Corp. It is known to have competitors from throughout the world.
Those involved with the effort say that discussions under way are only preliminary.
“It is a good event for our county because it fits well with our tourism initiatives,” said Mike Casolla, general manager of The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach. “Ironman brings a very high customer profile attracting both national and international travelers.”
Casolla said the event could bring up to 2,800 people for a four-night stay at local hotels.
“That is a huge piece of business,” Casolla said. “In other areas the economic impact has been seen in the tens of millions.”
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