The 2014 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend supported $32.3 million in economic activity for the Province of Ontario, of which $21.8 was in Ottawa, according to a newly released economic impact assessment produced by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance. Overall the event made a $14.8 million contribution to the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The email survey, conducted following last May’s event, found that 36,683 runners and spectators came from outside the National Capital Region for the event, with 84% spending one or more nights in Ottawa.
The CanadianSport Tourism Alliance conducted the analysis on behalf of the organizing committee. To conduct the assessment, the CSTA used STEAM PRO (Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model – Professional version), which measures the economic impact of a sport event on a community. A full copy of the report can be found at www.canadiansporttourism.com.
Registration for the 2015 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend opened today. Close to 50,000 runners are expected to take part in the event, which will take place May 24-25, 2015.
Key facts:
$14.8 million contribution to the province’s GDP.
$32.3 million in economic activity for the Province of Ontario.
$14.4 million spent in the region by visitors, event sponsors and race organizers combined.
$9.0 million in net economic activity for the City of Ottawa, supporting $6.7 million in wages and salaries and 184 jobs.
$7.0 million in federal, provincial and municipal taxes.
36,863 out of town participants and spectators.
2,500 volunteers helped make the Race Weekend a success.
The last economic assessment conducted in 2012 had the event contributing $27.8 million in economic activity to the region.
6,000 runners participated in CSTA’s email survey.
Quotes:
“This study confirms that the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is more than just a popular running destination; it’s a major economic driver for the region,” said John Halvorsen, President and Race Director. “This is due to our solid reputation as one of Canada’s most beautiful and best organized running events. We have our volunteers, sponsors and partners to thank for that.”
“Running events like the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend are huge economic drivers for their regions,” said Rick Traer, CEO, Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance. “Ottawa has become a top running destination, and it continues to grow and attract more visitors to the region each year.”
