Gov. Beshear announces Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games had economic impact of more than $201 million<\/p>\n
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Gov. Beshear announces Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games had economic impact of more than $201 million
\nReport: Visitors to event came from 63 countries, all 50 states
\nLEXINGTON, Ky. (June 27, 2011) \u2013 The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games held in 2010 at the Kentucky Horse Park had an economic impact of $201.5 million, Governor Steve Beshear announced today.
\n\u201cThe World Equestrian Games were indeed a success and this report illustrates the positive result that our local and state governments, our sponsors, the many volunteers, the business community and the citizens of the Commonwealth working together can have.\u201d Gov. Beshear said. \u201cIt also underscores the important role of the Kentucky Horse Park and the legacy the games will have for future years.\u201d
\nGov. Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear, Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons, Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Marcheta Sparrow and Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director John Nicholson participated in the announcement today at the Kentucky Horse Park.
\n\u201cThe World Equestrian Games was a unique opportunity to reaffirm our standing as Horse Capital of the World, as well as promote tourism and business in Kentucky,\u201d said Mrs. Beshear. \u201cTo witness the event first-hand, from its inception to the closing ceremony of the final day, I am thrilled with its success and want to thank everyone who took part in creating and executing such a tremendous, historic event for our state.\u201d
\nThe Alltech World Equestrian Games were held Sept. 25 through Oct. 10, 2010, the first time the international event had been held outside of Europe. The games are composed of eight events \u2013 dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para dressage, reining and vaulting.
\nAccording to the report commissioned by the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Alltech World Equestrian Games Foundation reported that it sold or provided complimentary tickets to 419,853 visitors. They came from 63 countries and all 50 states.
\nThe economic impact took into account \u201cdirect\u201d spending that accounted for $128.2 million. This includes guest spending at the Horse Park, lodging, restaurants, shopping centers and retail outlets.
\nIt also considered \u201cindirect\u201d spending \u2013 $73.3 million \u2013 such as money spent for food and lodging suppliers, construction and other services that were needed to support the influx of guests.
\nThe report found that $55.4 million was spent on tickets, food, souvenirs and other items at the event while $39.6 million was spent on lodging. The games also generated nearly $18.4 million in state taxes and nearly $4.6 million in local taxes, the report said.
\n\u201cWhile these financial impact numbers are quite impressive and stronger than even anticipated, the impact extends far beyond the monetary evaluation,\u201d said Dr. Lyons. \u201cFor years to come, our community will reap the benefits of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, from a new sense of community pride to statewide improvements and infrastructures that continue to drive tourism today.\u201d
\nThe study was conducted for the cabinet by Certec Inc. of Versailles. Information for the study was supplied by the World Games 2010 Foundation Inc., the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. An online version of the report is available at http:\/\/www.kentuckytourism.com\/industry\/research.aspx.
\n\u201cThe investment Gov. Beshear and the legislature made here at the Horse Park has already made this facility the best in the nation for equine-related events and organizations,\u201d Lexington Mayor Jim Gray said. \u201cThe visibility the Games brought to our city and the investments the state made in Lexington to help our city host the Games \u2013 road improvements, a much improved gateway into our city and a new runway at the airport \u2013 have elevated Lexington\u2019s brand as the Horse Capital of the World. The legacy and the economic impact of the Games have been remarkable.\u201d
\nThe Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games had a direct impact on passenger travel at Lexington\u2019s Blue Grass Airport. In October 2010, passenger enplanements increased by 39 percent from the previous year, according to the airport\u2019s 2010 annual report.
\nThe airport and its partners hosted more than 700 private and corporate airplanes, provided security for international dignitaries, welcomed more than 460 international athletes and facilitated 18 special event charter flights, said Eric Frankl, executive director at Blue Grass Airport
\n\u201cIt was a privilege for the airport to serve as the gateway to central Kentucky for World Equestrian Games visitors,\u201d he said. \u201cThe airport experienced one of its busiest months in airport history as a result of the collaborative effort put forth by our airlines, airport partners and staff to successfully handle an event of this magnitude<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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