Junior players from Australia and New Zealand and their supporters converged on Port Macquarie for the 11th Pacific Coast Slam.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council sports and events manager Amanda Hatton said the estimated economic impact as a result of hosting the week-long event in our region was about $1.6 million.

“The timing of the slam extends the peak tourism season within Port Macquarie,” she said.

It generates business from more than 2,200 people in accommodation, hospitality and retail services.

New Zealand couple Tracey Phillips and Blair Smith, and their children Teesha, 12, and nine-year-old Liahna, mixed basketball with a holiday.

They had several shopping sprees, dined out three times and stayed in an apartment. We are contributing to the economy,” Ms Phillips said.

She said Port Macquarie had the great outdoors and plenty of activities for the family.

The family’s first visit to Port Macquarie may not be their last.

“We would come back as a family holiday destination,” she said.

Pacific Coast Slam director John Davidson agreed the event introduced families to Port Macquarie.

He said they loved to come to the event because it offered a great destination.

Parents stocked up on school supplies, given the event’s timing, and some visitors extended their stay beyond the tournament.

Mr Davidson said the “word of mouth” and the experience here was incalculable.

The Pacific Coast Slam has its own group of volunteers.

Although the players are competitive on the courts, the tournament has a strong player development focus.

The council supported the event.