Launceston BMX Club at St Leonards will host the week-long BMXA National Championships and Oceania Continental Championships, with points on offer for the crucial UCI rankings in the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics just four months later.

About 4000 people are expected to travel to Launceston from the mainland and New Zealand.

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The St Leonards course is also in for a few upgrades, including a new starting gate, in preparation. A marquee village will also be setup at the site for competitors and spectators.

Tasmania has not hosted the event for more than 20 years.

BMX Australia chief executive officer Martin Shaw said it was time to share the championships with Tasmania, and Launceston's course had the best layout in the state.

"In the last couple of years we've held our events in Bunbury, in Shepparton this year, and Launceston, we thought it was time for Tasmania to host the event again," he said.

"You might look around the venue today and think what's it going to look like? By the time the event comes and we've got all the infrastructure in place, this place will be absolutely buzzing.

"Next year being an Olympic year, it's really important for our top riders to be riding at the event."

The big names expected to compete include two-time Olympian Caroline Buchanan and rising star Saya Sakakibara in the women's side, and 2016 Olympian Anthony Dean and former Australian Junior Champion Brandon Te Hiko in the men's competition.

Launceston BMX Club president Luke Heazlewood said it was a great outcome, that would allow local riders to see the very best.

"It'll hopefully bring more members in, and this event will attract more kids and riders in general

The state government provided $250,000 to the event, which it expects to bring $4 million in economic activity through visitors to the region.

Minister for State Growth Michael Ferguson said it was a worthwhile investment for the government.

"It will really put Launceston BMX club and the statewide BMX community right on the map," he said.

"I cannot think of too many sports or activities that give young people healthy options like this in a new or exciting way. Not everyone is into ball sports and this is just another example of keeping kids fit and active."

The BMXA National Championships and Oceania Continental Championships will be held at Launceston BMX Club from March 23 to 29.