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Robert E. Thomas
Information Specialist
573-882-2480
ThomasR@missouri.edu
Published: Jan. 31, 2008
Story Source: Michael Kaylen, 573-882-0145
Editor’s Note: A complete copy of the study is available at www.teri.missouri.edu. Accompanying video sound bites and b-roll are available for viewing or download at http://umsystem.edu/video. Accompanying photo is available for download at http://agebb.missouri.edu/news.
Out-of-state spectators spent $21.1 millionat Tour of Missouri bicycle race, study shows
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Out-of-state spectators spent an estimated $21.1 million while visiting Missouri in connection with last year’s six-stage Tour of Missouri bicycle race, according to a University of Missouri study.
The September 11-16 event consisted of 120 world-class professional cyclists representing 15 international racing teams. The tour began in Kansas City, Mo., and ended six days and 600 miles later in St. Louis.
An estimated 367,566 spectators saw the tour at some time during its six stages, said Michael Kaylen, co-director of the MU Tourism Economics Research Initiative.
Nine cities hosted start or finish lines. Average spending by visitors (non-locals and non-Missourians) for each these cities is estimated at $2.1 million.
Kansas City had the largest total: $5.9 million. St. Louis followed with $5.4 million. St. Charles had $3.3 million, and Branson had $2 million.
These expenditure estimates do not include spending by local spectators.
Other host cities included Clinton, Springfield, Lebanon, Columbia, and Jefferson City.
Kaylen said he was surprised by the number of visitors, which compares favorably with similar events in Georgia and California.
The average visiting household spent $563 during the tour. “This impact was especially important to the smaller cites. A large number of visitors indicated that they had never visited these cities or had not visited them in the last five years. If they enjoyed their visit, they may want to return or tell others about their experience,” he said.
About 250 students from various UM System campuses along with local volunteers collected data to estimate attendance. A second set of estimates relied on event organizers working with the Missouri Highway Patrol along the 600-mile event.
“Large crowds were reported in pass-through cities, which held special events and in locations that had special features,” Kaylen said.
Surveys at the start and finish sites gathered details about travel parties. Visitors came from 36 states and several other countries, most notably Canada. The event attracted high-income out-of-state households with median incomes of $85,000 to $120,000, he said.
“It was a fun, family-oriented event that promotes quality of life. The economic impact was like icing on the cake,” he said.
State officials announced that the Tour will be held again next year.
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Photo credit: MU photo |
