Western Bay business owners are preparing for an influx of more than 10,000 visitors ahead of the NCZT AIMS Games opening on Sunday.

But it's the region's accommodation sector that is set to get the biggest boost, with some places already booked out.

Back Porch Cafe owner Christian Pieler's business is boosted by AIMS Games action opposite the road at Blake Park.

Bay Palm Motel owner and Motel Association NZ Tauranga branch secretary Gail Fagan says all motels in Mount Maunganui are fully booked and Tauranga motels are filling fast.

'It's good for the area but it's not just motels that are busy, people are staying where they can – at hostels, motor camps, motels, wherever they can.”

Gail welcomes the boost in visitors which follows a quiet month in August.

Mount Beachside Holiday Park manager Mark Hales is also revelling in the interest and says he's had to turn away many from the fully booked iconic campsite.

'All our cabins and onsite caravans are booked out and this year we've also got a lot of families and supporters staying in their own caravans or campervans.”

Mark plans to bring in temporary caravans next year to cater for more people.

Mount Mainstreet manager Peter Melgren says the AIMS Games are a huge asset for the city in promoting the region, but says retailers are not big winners.

'You might get some of the parents going to the cafes or a little shopping, but you're not seeing thousands with shopping bags.”

Peter says everybody involved in the event loves it.

'You just need to see the smiles on the kids taking part to see how much they love it.

'It's great for the whole city in the shoulder season. All the organisers need a great big pat on the back for what they are doing,” says Peter.

Back Porch Cafe owner Christian Pieler is among those expecting a boost from the event, saying sales of takeaway coffees and cabinet food always goes up thanks to the action across the road at Blake Park.

'It's such a great event so we'll be working extra hard to look after the visitors and our regular customers.”

Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive Rhys Arrowsmith says the timing of the AIMS Games makes it hugely important.

"Tourism Bay of Plenty simply loves AIMS Games - not only does the event bring a young, vibrant buzz to the region but it injects significant income into a time that is traditionally very quiet."

This year Tourism Bay of Plenty also hopes to leverage off the event by promoting the region's attractions to visitors through a lounge set up at Blake Park.

Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby also sees it as a great chance for locals to showcase the city to visitors, which is a key reason the TCC supports the AIMS Games as a flagship event.

"It is a chance to showcase our beautiful city and provides a significant economic benefit to the region.

'We are excited to welcome so many visitors to Tauranga and know they will be looked after very well while they are here."

The 11th instalment of the intermediate-aged games will kick off on Sunday, with another record turnout.

More than 7500 Year 7 & 8 athletes will compete in the week-long tournament, a sharp rise from the 6500 who turned up last year.

The athletes are backed up by 3000 coaches, managers and supporters, and many of the 228 schools from around New Zealand have been billeted with local schools.