MANATEE -- The Manatee Tourist Development Council on Monday backed Bradenton-Sarasota's bid to host the world rowing championships in 2017.

The effort to be awarded the right to host the event has been put together by a partnership among Manatee and Sarasota counties and Benderson Development Co.

"The two-county venue will be the best in the Western Hemisphere, and among the top three in the world," said Elliott Falcione, executive director for the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The economic impact of such an event would spread across both counties, he said.

"This will showcase Sarasota-Bradenton to countries across the world," he added.