Dundee’s economy got a near-£10 million boost from hosting the WUKF World Karate Championships this summer.
More than 4,000 athletes, coaches, officials and spectators from 40 different countries visited Dundee for the competition, which was held in Dundee Ice Arena in June.
Figures released by the Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau (DACB) state the event generated an estimated £9.8 million for the city.
DACB business tourism manager Karen Tocher said: “It was an enormous opportunity for Dundee and the region, a lot of hard work went into organising the event but all partners were fully behind delivering a successful event and I am very proud of what we achieved.
“Hosting such an event was not only rewarding in terms of economic benefit but allowed us the opportunity to tell the world about Dundee, with many of the teams, spectators and officials looking forward to returning.”
Dundee-based Kanzen Karate won the bid to host the competition in Scotland and worked with DACB, Leisure and Culture Dundee, Dundee City Council and other organisations to deliver the competition.
Kanzen Karate Scotland president Roy O’Kane said they are now looking at bringing other large-scale karate competitions to Dundee.
He said: “We were absolutely delighted to host this major event in our home city and that it delivered for the local economy.
“There is no doubt that hosting an event of this size was a major coup for Dundee and the city rose to the occasion.
“The athletes and teams were made so welcome by everyone and the feedback has been amazing. People really felt the vibe and energy with tracksuits from over 40 countries being seen across Dundee and further afield.
“The legacy of hosting this event is substantial with teams from across Europe already committed to attending our sixth Kanzen Cup event in April 2019 and we are working on this event being even bigger in 2020.”
Liviu Crisan, WUKF world president, said: “I would like to thank the people of Dundee for making the WUKF family feel so welcome.
“Kanzen Karate Scotland did an excellent job in hosting our best ever World Championships to date. The hard work and energy of the team in Dundee was noticed by all and we were delighted to visit such a beautiful city.”
