Economic impact of an annual tourism industry exposition

This study was undertaken to estimate the economic impact on a specific region resulting from a nine-day tourism industry exposition. Over 80,000 people paid to attend the 1980 Greater Michigan Boat and Fishing Show which displayed equipment by 165 exhibitors. Detailed direct expenditure information was obtained from patrons and exhibitors. Multiplier analysis was employed to estimate total economic impact. Patrons were estimated to have a total economic impact on metropolitan Detroit of over $2 million. Economic sectors heavily impacted by patron expenditures were food services, entertainment, and auto related. Expenditures by show exhibitors were estimated to contribute an additional $1.8 million to the local economy. Economic sectors heavily impacted by exhibitors were households, advertising, and insurance.