The championships are part of the nib Festival of Sport which started last weekend and its organisers said the economic benefit could easily be more.

“People tend to look at big events like [soccer’s] Asia cup when they talk about the economic benefit but they tend to overlook these junior sports and their contribution,” Hunter Academy of Sport CEO Brett O'Farrell said.

Mr O’Farrell said 300 athletes and coaches had taken up accommodation in Maitland hotels and motels for four days, not counting parents. 

This is equivalent to 2000-bed-days and calculated at the tourism industry-agreed value of $139 a day.

“That business element is equally important to the players’ enjoyment,” Mr O’Farrell said.

The economic benefit does not include what people will spend on meals and Mr O’Farrell said residents could expect to see players at the city’s restaurants.

A world cup-themed dinner will officially open the championships at Club Maitland City on July 16 but after that people will have to provide their own meals.

Netball Australia will bring the official cup to the dinner for the 24 teams to marvel at.

The games are scheduled at the Maitland Federation Centre.

“There isn’t another facility in the Hunter that could host this,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“Maitland has hosted this before but this is the first time we have a regional sponsor.”

Mr O’Farrell said the festival cost considerable money to organise when incidental costs like referees, first aid and security were included.

“We’re thrilled to have the Greater Building Society on board to help,” he said.

The Greater’s Green Hills branch manager Carolin Mackaway said the Greater was pleased to support some high class netball for Maitland and Hunter spectators. 

“The Greater is investing in grass roots netball and this event because it benefits the community and local people,” Ms Mackaway said.

“Netball is played by so many local women and girls but it doesn’t get the same attention or funding as other sports.”