Political conventions provide economic stimulus to Cleveland, Philadelphia

Host cities for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions will see massive returns via direct spending, according to a new report from the U.S. Travel Association.

The organization projects that in traveling to the Convention destinations, lodging, meals, beverages and other activities, attendees will spend a combined total of $360 million split 50/50 between Cleveland, Ohio – site of the RNC from July 18-21 – and Philadelphia, Pa. – site of the DNC from July 25-28.

Including indirect and induced impact, a total of $600 million in economic output – $300 million for each convention – is expected to be generated for both host regions. In all, the two events could support 1,800 jobs for each city, 3,600 in total.

“You’re going to hear a lot from the candidates about their plans to create jobs,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “It might give some people pause, but one of the easiest ways to do that is to hold more conventions. The economic activity associated with these kinds of events is extremely compelling, and we aim to make sure our policymakers understand that.”

Following are some of the numbers for the conventions.
• Total projected attendees: 100,000-120,000, including 10,000 to 12,000 delegates; 30,000-36,000 members of the media; and 60,000 to 72,000 labeled as “other visitors and participants.”

• Average daily trip spending per attendee: $300

• Hotel/other lodging room nights: 148,500

• Total lodging revenues: $33 million