In order to assess the economic impact the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has on the businesses in Skagit County, festival officials contracted with the International Festival and Events Association to conduct a study of the 2012 festival. The results indicate a healthy impact brought on by the thousands of visitors in the month of April.
Some of the highlights of the report follow:
- 8% of our guests spent an average of two nights in local lodging;
- The average travel party size was 3.1;
- The average age of a visitor was 46;
- 84% reported the Tulip Festival was the primary reason for this trip and 90% said they would attend again;
- Over half of those surveyed heard about the Festival from a friend or family member, while 12% received information from the website;
- Average household income was $82,089 and the median household income was $75,000;
- 75% of those surveyed came from outside the area.
“This study highlights some things we’ve long anticipated; that the Tulip Festival is a major player in bringing new revenue to our area. We anticipate even greater attendance in 2013 as we celebrate our 30th annual festival,” said Cindy Verge, Executive Director of the Festival.
Complete copies are available in the Tulip Festival office at 311 W. Kincaid St. in Mount Vernon, or by calling 360-428-5959.
The Festival depends on sponsorship from area businesses and organizations and is grateful to the 256 who lent their support in 2012. To become part of the 30th festival, contact David Johnson at 360-428-5959 or david@tulipfestival.org.
