Death. Taxes. Controversies over the economic impact of high-profile events. Count on their inevitability.
Whether it’s a Super Bowl or a GOP national convention, it matters more to second-tier markets — such as Tampa, Charlotte and San Antonio. The New Yorks and Chicagos and OrlandoWorlds will always get their year-round influx of visitors. A big game or a big gathering is not that big a deal; in fact, it does skew regular business. And name recognition will not be enhanced.
But, come on. If Tampa wins the 2012 Republican Convention (over Phoenix and Salt Lake City), it means approximately 50,000 delegates, politicians and media coming in for the better part of a week. In late August. Plus all the attendant national and international coverage — and gratis publicity.
The point is not whether it means $150 million or $50 million to the area or some other figure that is a function of somebody’s self-serving, multiplier formula. What’s relevant is this: We’re talking a whole lot of visitors — most of whom, expense-account reporters excepted, are big spenders. And to repeat: this is in the summer — when it’s visitor challenged around here. Plus, the city is contractually free from out-of-pocket expenses such as municipal services and overtime.
A national political convention is a big deal. Even if the visitor infusion includes Tea-Partiers, Palin addicts, Fox News, W., Jeb! and the Cheney and Rumsfeld families. It’s worth it, however you calculate it.