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From the News Desk of WIADCA

2010 Labor Day Fiscal Impact

“New York's Annual Economic Stimulus -What This City Stands to Lose”

WIADCA IS A MAJOR ECONOMIC STIMULUS TO THE TOURISM MARKET OF NEW YORK CITY AND STATE

As the fiscal crisis of the Federal, State and New York City budgets appears to fluctuate and in some arenas worsen; WIADCA plays a pivotal role as an economic stimulus for New York City and New York State.  Crain’s New York Business states in the January 1, 2009 edition that New York City’s economic plan “can start with the city’s vital tourism trade.”  It also states in the February 9, 2009 article, “IDEAS TO HELP NY’s ECONOMY”, that tourism should “Emphasize International Travelers and Attract Regional Audiences”.  These are both key factors in WIADCA’s Labor Day attendance.  According to an Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) report conducted by the LUGANO Group, the Carnival contributes an annual approximated $86 million (at 2003 dollar value and $101,277,619 for 2010 dollar value) to New York City’s revenue.

 Revenue Financial Implications for Brooklyn and Greater New York

       Empire State Funded 2003 Lugano Study

·        On the basis of 3 Million visitors the total projected 2010 revenue is $303,832,857

·         Estimated NY States sales tax revenues generated by Carnival 2003 were $7, 038,000 per million ($24,864,833.25 three million visitors’ dollar value for 2010, with adjustments)

·         Approximately $6,831,000 was generated in 2003 NY City tax revenues ($24,133,514.64 projected 2010 dollar value, with adjustments)

·         450,000 additional MTA subway riders

That revenue is due in large part to both the Carnival’s International tourism and regional audiences that attend each year from the surrounding states.  In addition,

·         WIADCA has positioned itself as the premier West Indian American Carnival of the Western Hemisphere and as one of BIZ BASH Magazines’ top 3 out of 100 annual Holiday events in New York City.  This year we are listed as number 3, up from number 4 in 2009!

Tourism Impact

·         Airlines and Brooklyn Hotels at full capacity

·         Visitors plan annual calendars specifically to include the Labor Day weekend

 *  Visitors come from the following national and global communities:

             *  Australia, Brazil, Africa, Japan, China, England, France, Canada, etc.

                   *  All Caribbean Islands

                   *  Across USA and Tri State Area

 

  Economic Impact on Region’s businesses and participants

NYC Council Committee on Economic Development September 2002 Hearing states:

“WIADCA obtains the needed permits and deals with City officials. 

However, the dances, shows and parties throughout the City that are part and parcel of the Carnival are run by individual promoters who operate independently of WIADCA. The various steelbands and masquerade bands that participate in the Carnival are also all privately organized.”

·       Without corporate sponsors, the costs to hundreds of individual men and women who spend their own hard-earned money to produce MAS costumes has sky-rocketed in recent years.  The dedication exemplifies extremely strong cultural ties to a heritage which has helped to "beautify" the Mardi Gras type Carnival tourism product that WIADCA presents each year to New York and the world.

·        Costume Bands/Groups are fearful of the drastic implications should there be any form of  route limitation which will seriously impact on the "tourism product" provided to the millions of visitors.

·        During these tough economic times, vendors and other contractors who usually depend on the business of the carnival have also voiced their concerns as they will also be economically affected by the city’s decision.

Culture of the Carnival will be altered

*    A major concern is that any reduction in time will also reduce participation to MASQUERADE BANDS ONLY.

NYC Council Committee on Economic Development September 2002 Hearing states:

Statement from Mayor Rudy Giuliani:

The West Indian Day Carnival has grown from a community-oriented festival into NYC’s biggest parade, drawing an annual estimated revenue of $300 million to the city”.  As stated by former Mayor Giuliani, “West Indians enrich the cultural diversity of New York City and have contributed to its economic resurgence while at the same time preserving their unique heritage and identity…”  Many believe that, with additional investments of funding and the provision of technical assistance to sponsors of the Carnival festivities, New York City and its residents and businesses are poised to realize even greater economic gains.

·         2009 Better organized than ever before

o   The Carnival is the safest and largest organized event in the country

o   WIADCA has worked in conjunction with the NYPD and PBBS to refine and reduce unnecessary usage of NYPD resources

o   WIADCA has cut its time and route steadily over the years and we are considered LEAN TO THE BONE.

o   The strong relationship that we have developed with the NYPD has taken over 42 years to develop and we do not want anything to interfere with that perfect relationship.  Our community and the success of the Carnival depends on that bond. 

      WIADCA is confident Mayor Bloomberg and his City Officials will recognize the overwhelming economic benefits of this Mardi Gras type Carnival that Caribbean people have so generously "gifted" to New York and will do everything in their power to preserve, promote and assist in its growth for future generations.

From the News Desk of WIADCA


 

 

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