Atlantic City Is Anticipating Continued Strong Economic Impact From Airshow
August 17th, 2009Contact:
For the ACCVA: For Lou Hammond & Associates:
Michael Bruckler, (609) 449-7125 Emily Santos or Korin Lamourt
Elaine Zamansky, (609) 449-7166 (212) 308-8880
Karen Martin, (609) 449-7126
(Atlantic City, NJ, August 17, 2009) —
As Atlantic City (www.atlanticcitynj.com) counts down to the 2009 “Thunder Over the Boardwalk” Airshow on August 19, a recent study commissioned jointly by the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority (ACCVA) and the Greater Atlantic City Chamber (GACC) shows that the popular event is also a crucial economic generator for the area.
Based on a study conducted by the Center for Regional and Business Research (CRBR) at Atlantic Cape Community College, the 2008 Airshow resulted in an estimated $56.6 million in overall regional economic activity which creates 619 regional jobs and $16.3 million in earnings.
Last year’s show attracted an estimated 600,000 spectators, including approximately 180,000 incremental visitors – a conservative estimate according to the report – who came from out of town especially for the spectacular aerial display. These visitors spent an average of $164 per person, resulting in total expenditures in excess of $29 million.
“This study underscores the importance of events such as the Airshow in driving business to Atlantic City,” said Greater Atlantic City Chamber President Joseph Kelly. “The local business community reported an increase in activity during the Airshow and a strong satisfaction level with the event’s impact. The Airshow has been a great attraction since its inception in 2003 and we’re expecting next week’s show to be very positive again for the area.”
Jeffrey Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, said the Airshow also helps to diversify Atlantic City’s audience. “The International Council of Air Shows has surveyed many air shows in North America and found that approximately 47.3 percent of attendees are not from the local region. This type of event gives people another reason to either visit Atlantic City for the first time or return to experience something completely new.”
The Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder over the Boardwalk” is presented by Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. It is a community partnership between the Greater Atlantic City Chamber; the 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard; South Jersey Transportation Authority; FAA William J. Hughes Tech Center; David Schultz Airshows, LLC; the City of Atlantic City; and the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. While the Atlantic City Airshow takes place over the beach and Boardwalk in Atlantic City, all airshow performers take off and land via the Atlantic City International Airport.
This year’s airshow takes place from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m, Wednesday, August 19.
For a schedule of events, please click here.
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