Sport Tourism Canada’s STEAMPRO economic impact assessment has found that the 2025 Peach Classic Triathlon generated over $570,000 in overall economic activity in British Columbia, including $495,000 in Penticton alone.
Held annually since 1983, the Peach Classic is one of Canada’s longest-running triathlons and a cornerstone of Penticton’s rich multi-sport tradition. Following a revitalization in 2022, participation has nearly tripled, growing from under 300 athletes to nearly 800 this year. The event draws competitors from across Western Canada and beyond, supported by hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, and spectators.
The Peach Classic Triathlon continues to be both an economic driver and a community celebration. Survey data shows that 71% of visitors came to Penticton specifically for the event, with 86% staying overnight and an average trip length of nearly three nights. Many extended their stays, with 55% adding extra days before or after the race, boosting local hotels, restaurants, and tourism services.
The event’s impact also stretches into the future: 90% of visitors indicated they are likely to return to Penticton, demonstrating the long-term tourism benefits of hosting major sporting events.“Partnering with Sport Tourism Canada gave us credible, third-party confirmation of what our community feels every July: the Peach Classic brings people to Penticton and meaningfully boosts local business,” said the Penticton Triathlon Club. “These results help us demonstrate value to sponsors and public partners while we continue growing participation and the visitor experience.”
“We were pleased to support the Penticton Triathlon Club in evaluating the economic benefits of hosting the Peach Classic,” said Derek Mager, the Economic Impact Consultant who analyzed the data and prepared the report for Sport Tourism Canada. “The results highlight not only the immediate impact on Penticton’s businesses but also the extended tourism benefits that events like this generate for the region and the province.”
Are you interested in using primary data collected from event attendees at your event? Work with an STC Economic Impact Consultant to analyze the actual economic impact of your event in a specific Canadian community. Contact Sport Tourism Canada today to learn more.