Last year’s show attracted an estimated 600,000 spectators, including approximately 180,000 incremental visitors – a conservative estimate according to the report – who came from out of town especially for the spectacular aerial display. These visitors spent an average of $164 per person, resulting in total expenditures in excess of $29 million.

"This study underscores the importance of events such as the Airshow in driving business to Atlantic City," said Greater Atlantic City Chamber President Joseph Kelly. "The local business community reported an increase in activity during the Airshow and a strong satisfaction level with the event’s impact. The Airshow has been a great attraction since its inception in 2003 and we’re expecting next week’s show to be very positive again for the area."

Jeffrey Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, said the Airshow also helps to diversify Atlantic City’s audience. "The International Council of Air Shows has surveyed many air shows in North America and found that approximately 47.3 percent of attendees are not from the local region. This type of event gives people another reason to either visit Atlantic City for the first time or return to experience something completely new."