The Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association (SABA), The Town of Murphy NC and the Cherokee County NC Tourism Development Authority (TDA) collaborated with CycleNC to host the 2024 CycleNC Mountain Ride bicycle event in Murphy, NC.
In a survey conducted after the event, 326 participants asked to provide insights into their experiences, with 97 responses recorded. An impressive 92% of respondents traveled to Murphy and stayed overnight.
The total direct spending from the event amounted to $98,351, with this expenditure circulating through the regional economy, generating further economic activity. According to a county-specific input-output model, the total economic impact reached $142,337 in output, contributing $40,587 in labor income to the local economy.
Murphy, Cherokee County NC and the surrounding area has many outdoor activities and attractions to offer visitors to our community. Continued investment in walkways, trails, parks and other outdoor amenities will strengthen our attraction to visitors.
The full report can be viewed here
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This economic impact study is a project of the App State Student Chapter of the NABE and the CERPA Undergraduate Research Program. NABE members who contributed to the 2024 Mountain Ride Economic Impact Report are Zechariah Godbold, Rachel Hamlin, Hagen Livingston, Lianna Palko-DiStefano. Contact: Ash Morgan (morganoa@appstate.edu) or John Whitehead (whiteheadjc@appstate.edu).
CycleNC is a part of North Carolina Amateur Sports (NCAS). NCAS is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1983 to host the first sanctioned State Games of North Carolina in 1986 and the U.S. Olympic Festival-’87. Today, it operates with the goal of promoting health and wellness for all ages and skill levels through organizing best-in-class sporting events that enrich the quality of life and enhance economic well-being of North Carolina communities
