Prince George is expected to see millions of dollars flow into the city thanks to events like the Para Nordic World Cup Finals

By Tommy Osborne

Para Nordic Championships

Para Nordic World Championships set to bring huge economic impact to Prince George

Feb 29, 2024 | 5:52 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – We are only one week away from the Para Nordic World Cup Finals and the Para Biathlon Championships, and the championships will be bringing a lot more than just exciting competition. Beyond all the activity on the ski hill, Prince George is set to see huge economic boosts from this world-wide event.

“An event like this will be in the millions of dollars contributed to the City of Prince George. That’s hotel rooms from these visitors, taxis when they’re here, flights into Prince George, restaurants,” said Tourism Prince George CEO Colin Carson.

Prince George will see 185 athletes from 20 countries all across the world visit, and when you factor in spectators, staff, coaches, and more, there’s no doubt Prince George will be lively as ever when the events get started. It’s not just the economic impact and excitement of the games that are great though, the timing couldn’t have been any better as well.

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“This is at a time when typically hotels would be slower, restaurants would be slower. So all these people coming into Prince George, it’s not only a great benefit, but it comes at a really good time of year as well,” Carson said.

The benefits will stretch far beyond this year too, as hosting world class events of this caliber puts Prince George on the map as a destination. This also creates a snowball effect, as the money that comes in from large events like this can then be used to upgrade our facilities, which in turn can bring in more events. The cyclical nature of this has Carson optimistic about the possibilities, as large events provide incredible economic boosts, but also just a great time for our community members.

The concept of this cyclical nature is highlighted perfectly by the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club itself, as the money it gets goes back into upgrading the facilities. For example, building an international sized biathlon stadium, or installing snowmaking machines.

“Snowmaking wasn’t on our radar until we actually lost an event because we didn’t have the snow. So when an event that brings in a couple million dollars to our city goes to another city because we don’t have snow, that’s a pretty good incentive for putting in snowmaking,” Said the Ski Club’s Chair Kevin Pettersen.

The opening ceremonies will take place on March 5, with the games officially beginning the following morning on March 6.

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