NE Valley Times

WestWorld, the largest indoor and outdoor events venue in Scottsdale, is becoming a key player in boosting tourism and economic growth in the region. An economic impact study conducted by Arizona State University's Seidman Research Institute highlights WestWorld's ability to draw high-spending visitors.

The study reveals that WestWorld's operations for 2023/2024 contributed $163.6 million to the state's GDP, generated $85.6 million in labor income, supported 1,813 jobs statewide, and resulted in $4.8 million from Transaction Privilege and Transient Tax collections.

The report analyzed nine major events hosted at WestWorld between October 2023 and June 2024. Researchers used both in-person and online questionnaires to assess expenditures by event organizers and visitors. These findings were then extrapolated to estimate the overall economic impact of 22 major ticketed events held at WestWorld of Scottsdale, considering direct, indirect, and induced effects on Scottsdale and Maricopa County.

The assessment focused on spending from non-residents who bring new funds into the local economy while excluding Scottsdale residents.

Despite concentrating on major ticketed events, these represent only part of the annual activities at WestWorld's 384-acre venue. Last year alone saw 88 events over 356 days.

"WestWorld is a tremendous asset to Scottsdale," said Rachel Smetana, Scottsdale’s tourism and events director. "With the right investments and strategies, it has the potential to attract larger, more diverse events, creating even greater economic benefits for our city while solidifying our place as a top tourism destination."

Reports detailing WestWorld's annual economic impact on both Scottsdale city and Maricopa County are available for review.