NUMBERS PROVE WHY TRAVEL MATTERS TO FRISCO
Monday, May 18, 2009
A benchmark study commissioned by the Frisco Convention & Visitors Bureau and conducted by Destination Analysts proves why Travel Matters to the City of Frisco.
In 2008 the City hosted 4.33 million visitors comprised of 3.83 million day-trippers from DFW and a 200 mile radius; 350,000 stayed in local hotels and 150,000 stayed with residents. Those visits resulted in $1.24 billion in direct visitor spending. The economic impact is astounding for a city of approximately 101,000 residents!
Executive Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, Marla Roe, comments, "We are very pleased with the results of the study, but have our work cut out us to entice our day visitors into staying overnight."
In the last 5 years, Frisco has made major strides in enhancing its reputation as a premiere leisure and business travel destination with 5 new hotel properties, new restaurants and shopping and annual concerts such as Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney. The expansion of the Dr Pepper Arena and the addition of Fieldhouse USA will only help increase the amount of visitors to Frisco in the future.
The return on those investments and more have been $21.2 million in tax revenues with $18 million going toward sales tax and $3.2 million in hotel tax in 2008. Retail spending accounted for $396 million and meetings and conference spending contributed $41.4 million.
"We're committed to growing Frisco's reputation as a destination city throughout the U.S. Our city's investment in world class venues is also helping build our reputation as a travel destination with visitors from around the world. Whether you're a day tripper or overnight guest, Frisco offers an abundance of things to do for anyone who loves art, sports, food, shopping and first class, family friendly entertainment," said Mayor Maher Maso.
What's next for the City of Frisco when it comes to travel & tourism - Certified Tourism Ambassador training for employees within the areas of hospitality, restaurant, shopping, city emergency services and attractions in June.
ABOUT THE FRISCO CVB
Founded in 2004, the Frisco, Texas, CVB has grown in tandem with the extensive growth of leisure travel, sports, and meeting facilities in the area. It's our mission to generate a positive awareness of Frisco as a premiere destination for meetings, sporting events, conventions, trade shows, and leisure travel and to positively impact the economic base of the City of Frisco. For more information, visit visitfrisco.com or call 877-GO-FRISCO.
