"I think it's definitely worthy of a world tour event," Fitzgibbons said.
"The location – it's incredible on its day.
"It offers up a different style of wave on any given day. I think there's no better place than Margs.
"It's such an iconic event. I'll come back here year after year, event or not. It's one where I'd love to always come back to put the jersey on."
Hawaiian Florence, whose win at Margaret River last year helped set up his second straight WSL title triumph, was also glowing in his praise of the WA event.
"I would love to see this event continue on for years to come," Florence said.
"I think there's enough room for three events in Australia. No matter what happens, I hope Margaret River is one of the events to stay.
"It's such a great event, because of all the different varieties of waves we have, and varieties of conditions. It's got that raw ocean feel to it.
"You really have to perform and ride lots of different boards. It makes it really fun."
This year's Margaret River Pro is set to begin on Friday after lay days were called for Wednesday and Thursday.
Once the action gets underway, Florence will be pitted against Australian rookie Wade Carmichael and Australian wildcard Mikey Wright.
Wright famously got the better of Florence at the season-opening Gold Coast event.
In the women's event, Fitzgibbons faces a tough first round heat against Brazil's Silvana Lima and Hawaii's Coco Ho.
Six-time world champion and current series leader Stephanie Gilmore will take on in-form Keely Andrew and WA Trials winner Mikaela Greene in an all-Australian heat.
AAP
Comments disabled
Morning & Afternoon Newsletter
Delivered Mon–Fri.
