Bikes bring bucks to local economy
Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007
ROGERS — The Convention and Visitors Bureau is investing in the hope that tourism dollars will ride into town with groups of riders on shiny motorcycles.
The bureau approved Wednesday granting $ 7, 500 in incentive funding to the Star Touring and Riding Association for its July 2008 event.
The group is expected to attract 1, 600 Yamaha riders to town. Using the bureau’s $ 200-per-day multiplier, spending from attendees could generate a $ 1. 6 million economic impact, executive director Tom Galyon said.
The group also received $ 7, 500 incentive funding from the Bentonville Advertising and Promotion Commission.
The riders set themselves apart from other tourism events by bringing a truck loaded with 40, 000 pounds of food for a local children’s charity.
“ It’s a very family-oriented event, ” Galyon said.
Chairman Lucas Finley noted that motorcycle gatherings draw tourists to the area in the fall, generally a slower time for hospitality groups. The gathering could also generate word-of-mouth attention for the area and draw in other events.
“ This looks like an awesome event, ” he said. “ On our 1-to-10 scale, it’s a 9. 5. ”
Galyon said the group would look to draw other events to the area, which is known for its winding roads perfect for riding, its Harley-Davidson dealership, and proximity to the Fayetteville grounds of Bikes, Blues and Barbecue.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau will bid on a Harley-Davidson rider group for 2009 in hopes of generating a similar or larger impact, he said.
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