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PRESS RELEASE

+$20M Economic Impact from 2017 Wings Over Wayne Airshow

A newly released report from the Travel & Tourism Department for the City of Goldsboro and Wayne County reveals the estimated economic impact for the 2017 Wings Over Wayne held at Seymour Johnson AFB on May 20th & 21st was in excess of $20 million.

The report quantified the economic benefits generated from overnight travel and day visitors. Based on the responses of 351 surveys, the report also provides insight on the air show audience and how successful the marketing efforts were to attract attendees.

The Office of Public Affairs for Seymour Johnson AFB announced Saturday’s crowd estimate was 130,000 visitors, with an additional 100,000 people visiting on Sunday. In 2015, the total crowd estimate for both days was 205,000, which makes the turnout for 2017 Wings Over Wayne Air Show the best in the history of Seymour Johnson AFB.

“Wings Over Wayne was a great event and had a tremendous impact on our local economy,” said Goldsboro City Manager Scott Stevens. “I continue to be impressed with the outstanding working relationship we have at all levels with Seymour Johnson AFB.”

The report shows more than half of the visitors attended Wings Over Wayne for their first time in 2017, and nearly 65% of all visitors travelled more than 50 miles to experience the air show. Jennifer Wickes, the Director of Sales for the Towneplace Suites by Marriott Goldsboro, confirms “Being the host hotel for the Blue Angels was an awesome experience! We had a stellar week being sold out due to so many travelers and groups coming in for the Wings over Wayne Air Show. This air show was the biggest yet to date.”

In 2016, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base contributed $705 million to Wayne County’s economy and generated 9,369 jobs.  Furthermore, events such as 916th ARF UTA weekends, graduations, promotions, PCS transitions, deployments, and retirements generated $7.5 million for area hotels.

Maj. Matthew “Cain” Olde was the 2017 Air Show Director. He credits the success of this year’s show to keeping the focus on the customer experience. “We really appreciate the support of all the businesses and all our friends and family in Goldsboro and Wayne County,” says Cain, “and I want them to know we will continue to work hard to involve them in the planning and execution of future WOWs.” Wings Over Wayne Air Show is held in odd numbered years with the next show scheduled for 2019. Dates for WOW 2019 to be announced soon.

For more information, contact:

Ashlin Glatthar, Director

919-734-2213 or aglatthar@goldsboronc.gov

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