Anglers spent about $4.6 million at the Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship last year.

Kevin Dallas, chief executive of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said the annual summer event delivered a 25:1 return on the authority’s investment and brought 475 visitors to the island.

The July championship, which was launched in 2005, included the Bermuda Billfish Blast, Bermuda Big Game Classic and Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament.

A total of 38 vessels visited Bermuda for at least one leg of the tournament and competitors hired ten local charter boats.

Anglers paid high season rates for 670 room nights at the event’s host hotel during the tournament and others rented private homes.

Visitor spending and room nights were also boosted by early arrivals drawn by the 35th America’s Cup.

Mr Dallas said the championship highlighted the island’s “sports and adventure side, and resonates with an affluent audience”.