By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The explosion of visitors to downtown Buffalo for the NCAA tournament was a slam-dunk for the Buffalo and Erie County Convention and Visitors' Bureau. Officials estimate that about 14,000 people were in town for the March Madness event.
Restaurants and businesses were ready to take them in, with extra staff and provisions on hand. And the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority provided maps and signage to get people where they wanted to go.
Ed Healy is spokesman for the CVB. He said they estimate the tournament created roughly a four million dollar economic impact. And he said they hope that translates into greater public support for the CVB.
"I think it makes tourism and the economic impact from tourism very visible in the community," said Healy. "And I think people really understand when they see thousands of people on the streets of downtown, packed restaurants, full hotels, people coming and going on buses and public transporatation, what it really means to have a fully funded CVB and a CVB that's very active in bringing these kinds of events to Buffalo."
Healy said the positive event also helps to cement the region's reputation as a Mecca for amateur sports. He said, as word spreads about the region's hospitality, they hope to attract even more events.