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- February/March 2008 -
Salem Convention & Visitors Association's
Industry Newsletter
The Economic Impact of Tourism Jumps 12.8 Percent
Tourism is big business in Salem and a vital economic generator, confirmed by a recently released study, Economic Impacts of Travel 1992-2006, Salem Oregon. According to Portland based market research firm Dean Runyan Associates, Salem's visitor spending was $221.7 in 2006 an increase of 12.8 percent. Results of visitor spending by commodity purchased are as follows:
| 1. Grand Transportation & Motor Fuel | $101.9 million |
| 2. Food & Beverage Services | $ 38.4 million |
| 3. Accommodations | $ 27.2 million |
| 4. Retail Sales | $ 20.9 million |
| 5. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation | $ 20.3 million |
| 6. Food Stores | $ 13.0 million |
Total Visitor Spending |
$221.7 million |
(Total travel spending was $226 million. This includes Salem residents travel arrangements outbound. The $221.7 million is spending by visitors to Salem.)
Businesses and public organizations are increasingly interested in the economic impacts of tourism at national, state and local levels. One reason is people value their right and freedom to travel even through downturns in the economy. Travelers may stay closer to home but they will still travel and have an economic impact on destinations.
Another important reason for the interest in tourism is the jobs it creates - 2,440 in Salem alone and 5,680 within the Marion and Polk county region. The economic impact of visitor spending in Salem’s city limits exceeded $221 million, and produced $2.2 million in transient occupancy tax and $9 million in state taxes.**
Tourism’s economic significance locally, regionally, statewide and nationally cannot be denied. It is a clean and sustainable industry that creates a positive economic impact. The economic benefits of tourism reach virtually everyone in the region in one way or another, and the interdependent relationships that are formed through tourism promotion is vital to the success of a healthy tourism industry.
The promotion of Salem is a “family affair!” It not only takes a village to raise a child but it takes a village to successfully promote a destination. Along with an experienced destination marketing organization, such as SCVA, it takes proactive elected leadership and individual citizens to get the word out that Salem is a wonderful place to visit and hold an event, meeting or conference. It takes the entire Salem community to provide the highest level of customer service to ensure visitors enjoy their experience. Excellent hospitality will keep visitors coming back and word of mouth recommendations are extremely effective!
Click here to view the entire Economic Impacts of Travel Report.
**Dean Runyan Economic Impacts of Travel - Salem, Oregon 1991-2006
© 2008 TravelSalem.com by Salem Convention and Visitors Association, Salem, Oregon, +1.800.874.7012