With less than two months until the World Triathlon Championship Finals, the Illawarra region is preparing to welcome the world, and race organisers and local businesses are gearing up to put on an outstanding show.

With more than 5,000 athletes, supporters, visitors and interested locals expected in town to sample the local hospitality, one business excited to be at the centre of all the action is the famous Wollongong landmark the Illawarra Hotel.

Owner Ryan Aitchison said that since taking over with his wife Nikki in 2019, the couple have been committed to creating an atmosphere of warmth and engagement, respecting the hotel’s history, and supporting local brewers, distillers and farmers.

In the middle of Wollongong’s food and beverage hub of independent eateries, bars and restaurants, the Illawarra Hotel is located only a short walk from the event village, Ryan said his hotel and other local businesses are keen to be part of the action come October.

“Looking at events like the World Triathlon Championship Finals it is important that as a city really do everything we can to support the organisers, support the overall concept and make sure when visitors do come to town that we put on an absolute master of class in tourism and hospitality that gives them something to go back to their countries and talk about.”

“We have been speaking to the organisers about ways to better activate this side of town and we will do everything we can to activate this precinct and make sure that we really put on a hell of a show for everyone.”

Ryan’s message to other businesses in Wollongong is to embrace these major events and learn from lessons of the past.

“It is about looking at opportunity when it’s in front of us and making sure we are putting forward our best possible efforts. We need to ensure that when we do have guaranteed visitor numbers coming to Wollongong, that we’re doing everything that we can to get them spending and enjoying our City.”

“It is clear the organisers have taken on board some short falls of past events and are actively working to make sure that history doesn’t repeat itself. We want everyone walking away and thinking when’s the next event,” he said.

Plans are underway for the event village, with a pop-up pub, beer garden and local food and coffee operators, giving locals, competitors and visitors a taste of the Illawarra right in the heart of the action.

“The event village is going to be an amazing precinct and we are looking at doing a ‘Little Illa’ down there for locals, competitors, visitors and supporters to experience.”

“I always encourage the local community to embrace events that come to Wollongong. Come down have a look and experience something new. The city will come to life and even if you are a local you will be able to come into town and experience your city through a different lens of a spectator or a local day tripper.”

“There aren’t too many major sporting events around the world that you can get into for free and the world champs will be happening there in front of you. So, come down, spend a day with family and friends and open yourself up to the experience and enjoy what is on show,” he said.

Ryan said it is great to be hands on and part of the local community and we are on a mission to make the Illawarra great again, and to enrich our community in any and every way.

“We love what we’re doing and seem to be getting a lot of love back, which is great. We are looking forward to the World Triathlon Championship Finals and will give it a ‘red hot go’. We can’t wait,” he said.

The 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals Wollongong are proudly supported by the New South Wales Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.