| |
 |
| |
Illinois Bureau of Tourism
Awards Grant to 2006 Gay Games
|
$50 to $80 Million in Local Economic Impact
from Participants and Spectators
2006-03-03
The event is estimated to inject between $50 and $80 million into the local economy from some 12,000 registered participants, in addition to spectators coming for the games. The grant is being matched with private sector funds raised by Chicago Games Inc., the parent organization of 2006 Gay Games.
"We are always looking for innovative ways to grow our economy and attract even more tourists to experience all that Chicago and our state has to offer. This is an important investment that will pay impressive dividends as we continue to target the lucrative gay and lesbian market. We are proud to partner with the Gay Games and are hopeful that this unique event will be a rousing success," Illinois Bureau of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner said.
The gay and lesbian market has become a prime marketing target in recent years because of the demographic’s expendable income and brand loyalty. Annual research updated this month shows that gays and lesbians in the United States have an estimated purchasing power of more than $641 billion* annually, similar to purchasing power of the Asian-American and African-American populations.
"There is no denying the tremendous impact that tourism has on our local economy, which is why we must take full advantage of major opportunities such as the Gay Games that will create millions of dollars for our economy," State Senator Carol Ronen (D-Chicago) said.
"This important event is going to generate approximately $50 to $80 million for our local economy and will showcase all of the great tourism assets we have throughout Chicago," State Representative Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) said.
"I am both delighted and thankful that the Illinois Bureau of Tourism is making this strategic investment. This grant will ensure that the Gay Games will attract more visitors who ultimately will be spending more money throughout the Chicagoland area," State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said.
"The Gay Games will attract thousands and thousands of people who have never visited Chicago before. This will be a powerful economic engine for our summer tourism season," State Representative Larry McKeon (D-Chicago) said.
Research shows that gay and lesbian travelers spend an estimated $54 billion on travel per year in the United States, according to Community Marketing Inc. Another recent study conducted by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corp. shows that for every $1 invested in gay tourism marketing, $153 is returned in direct visitor spending.
"Gay Games every four years attracts an historically large number of participants and spectators to the host city," said Brian McGuinness, executive director of Chicago Games Inc. "Having these brand-loyal visitors in Chicago not only brings immediate economic impact this summer, it also has an immeasurable future impact by building goodwill for them to come back or encourage family and friends to visit this gay-friendly area."
Gay Games travelers registered in Chicago and area hotels are booking extended stays, and many are planning local travel excursions around Illinois as part of their visit.
"Indications from our bookings are that most people who are staying at downtown hotels are staying 8-10 days to experience the entire Gay Games week of events," said Tracy Baim, co-chair of the CGI board's government relations committee. "We are also seeing a lot of people asking to book properties outside of Chicago because of competitions occurring in Oak Park and Evanston."
Baim added that they also are promoting tours outside of Chicago for those people who can come early or stay after the Gay Games to experience more of Illinois. Baim worked with Government Relations Manager Aimee Pine and consultant Kim Hunt on the grant proposal.
"As Chicago prepares to welcome the Federation of Gay Games, it is our unique opportunity to serve as host hotel for the athletes, media and sponsors from around the world," Thomas J. Loughlin, General Manager, Hilton Chicago said.
|
| |
|
|
  Copyright 2010 Chicago Games, Inc. | All Rights Reserved | Contact Us
"Gay Games," the "Federation of Gay Games," the interlocking circles device
are registered trademarks of the Federation of Gay Games, Inc. The Gay Games VII logo
and its figures are copyrighted images of the Federation of Gay Games, Inc.
Gay Games VII welcomes people of all orientations. Publication of the name, photograph, or
likeness of a person on this website or in any electronic or printed Gay Games VII
promotional item is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person.
Website Designed, Hosted, and Powered by Materville Studios
| |
