Northern Beaches Council will host the 2017 and 2018 Australian Open of Surfing events on Manly Beach, continuing Council's partnership with the international surfing contest's organisers IMG Worldwide Events.

The Australian Open of Surfing generates significant interstate and international tourism for Manly and further afar on the Northern Beaches.

In support of the international surfing contest running between 25 February and 5 March, Council will provide logistics support and access to local promotional opportunities.

"The Northern Beaches' surfing lifestyle is a vital part of Australia's national heritage," said Northern Beaches Council Acting General Manager, David Kerr.

"Apart from being a wonderfully exciting sporting and cultural event, the Australian Open of Surfing has proved a terrific boon to local business, generating millions of dollars in economic activity locally," said Mr. Kerr.

In 2016, the Australian Open of Surfing event attracted more 200,000 people to Manly Beach over nine days, with an associated visitor spend well in excess of $2.5 million, priming the Northern Beaches economy.

"The huge global media coverage the Australian Open of Surfing enjoys positions the Northern Beaches' brand and reputation as a desirable Australian tourism destination too."

The event itself is broadcast globally to an estimated 55 million homes across Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa and the Middle East.

Among the host of surfing and skating talent taking part in the 2017 Australian Open of Surfing will be the current Women's World Champion surfer, Australia's Tyler Wright.

Thanks to a new partnership between Vans and the Australian Open of Surfing, Manly will also be the first stop of the 2017 Vans Park Series (VPS) World Championships of Skateboarding tour.