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"WORLD'S LARGEST" WHITE MARLIN OPEN SETS RECORD IN MARYLAND - More than $16 million in total economic impact generated in 2009
"WORLD'S LARGEST" WHITE MARLIN OPEN SETS RECORD IN MARYLAND
More than $16 million in total economic impact generated in 2009
OCEAN CITY, MD (May 4, 2010) – Visitors to Maryland's White Marlin Open generated more than $16 million in total economic impact in 2009, according to a study recently completed by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development's Division of Marketing & Communications – Office of Research. The study evaluated expenditures by visitors during the 2009 White Marlin Open, measuring the total impact of those visits on statewide and local economies.
The study also showed that in addition to the $16 million in total economic impact, salaries totaled $4.9 million. Spending by White Marlin Open visitors created and supported 130 jobs in Maryland, with 70 of those jobs being directly related to visitor spending during the five day competition. More than $745,000 in total tax revenue for the state and local governments was generated.
"This news is further evidence that Maryland means business when it comes to promoting our state," said Christian S. Johansson, Secretary, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). "Events such as the White Marlin Open create jobs, generate spending and support hundreds of local businesses." Figures released in the study represent both direct and secondary impacts. The study collected data on the event fees, accommodations, travel expenses, food and beverage and retail purchases to determine the total economic impact. During the 2009 White Marlin Open visitors generated total spending of $2.2 million per day over a 7 day period.
Based on attendance data provided by the tournament organizers, DBED estimates the White Marlin Open draws more than 5,000 visitors from outside the state during the five day competition. Tournament organizers estimate that 75 percent of participants are from outside Maryland. Each year more than 300 boats and 3,000 anglers compete for greater than $2 million in prizes. The tournament attracts thousands of fishing enthusiasts, families and curiosity seekers who watch the nightly weigh-ins, hoping to catch a glimpse of a million dollar marlin.
Delegate James "Jim" Mathias, former Ocean City Mayor (1997-2006) and member of the Maryland Tourism Development Board solicited the state's assistance to conduct the economic impact study as a result of his experience with and knowledge of the Maryland tourism industry. "Maryland's 2010 summer --from Deep Creek Lake to the beaches and bays --is full of events and family fun. This year's 37th Annual White Marlin Open is a classic for sport fishermen, residents and visitors alike" said Delegate Mathias. Adding, "I invite anglers, curiosity seekers, family and friends to discover why this event is the World's largest billfish tournament."
While the most coveted fish is the winning White Marlin, large cash payouts are also made in the blue marlin, tuna and shark categories. One of the most interesting aspects of the White Marlin Open is that both experienced anglers and novices participate and anyone can win.
"The economic impact of this event generates tremendous benefits for the State and provides significant revenue and jobs to our economy as well. We are ecstatic to continue the tradition and host this year's 37th annual White Marlin Open, August 2-6, 2010 in Ocean City" said Jim Motsko, President, White Marlin Open.
The tourism industry is continuing to show tremendous growth in Maryland, with a 3.2 percent increase in spending over 2007, reaching a record $14.5 billion in economic impact in calendar year 2008. Tourism also generates an estimated $2 billion in federal, state and local taxes and employs more than 146,000 people, mainly in the areas of food service, public transportation, lodging and retail. In 2008, Maryland welcomed more than 28 million visitors.
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