An event recognised as a ‘sporting first' for Tauranga, which took more than two years of planning, has increased regional GDP by $991,000.

The 17th WSF World Junior Squash Championships 2017 saw 28 nations competing in 500 matches from July 19-29.

The event saw the local community join in on 11 days of spectacular squash with more than 15,000 visits to the games and 150 volunteers helping to deliver a world-class event.

Mayor Greg Brownless says the event re-enforces the importance of international events for Tauranga and its residents.

'The championship was much more than a sports tournament for the city with athletes competing from all around the world.

'Tauranga has again shown its capability to host international events like this. It was outstanding to see our community getting behind it and give the 371 athletes, coaches and managers from around the globe a warm welcome to our city.

'Events like this build community spirit and local pride, they promote our region and boost the local economy. They play a key role in our city and Council was a proud supporter and host of this top-notch event.

'The World Junior Squash Championships were an outstanding example of Council getting behind major events and boosting our region in the off-peak season.”

Squash NZ chief executive Jim O'Grady says New Zealand has a well-earned reputation for successfully hosting international squash events and Tauranga has set the benchmark for others to follow.

'I have received numerous glowing reports from around the world rating this event as one of the best yet which is a huge compliment and one that the organising team can be immensely proud of,” says Jim.

Wayne Werder, Chairman of the WSF World Junior Squash Championships said the event exceeded all expectations and proved to be a wonderful showcase for squash and the city.

'The support shown by the local community was exceptional and a tribute to the pride people have in their city and the region,” says Wayne.

Through its major events fund, Tauranga City Council supported the event as a strategic partner together with WSF World Squash, Squash New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand.

The tournament generated 6,329 visitor nights in Tauranga with each visitor staying an average of nine nights in the region. The increase in regional output of $1,524,000 resulted in an increase in regional GDP of $991,000, representing a return on regional investment of 42.2 per cent.

Event entry into the hosting clubs, Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre, Mount Maunganui Squash Cub and Te Puke Squash Club was free and by gold-coin donation to the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, making the WSF World Junior Squash Championships accessible for everyone.

More than 15,000 took up the offer and brought family and friends to watch the 356 individual and 144 women's teams' matches.