Debate boosts revenue of hotels and eateries
By Brandon Petitto
The Democratic presidential debate at Cleveland State gave a boost to the region’s economy, which reflected in an increased business for area hotels.
“We estimate that the direct spend impact [that will come from the debate] is $1.85 million,” said Tamera Brown, vice president of marketing for the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau of Greater Cleveland.
The estimate accounts for the spending that came from those who were directly involved with and/or attended the debate, according to Brown.
Due to the direct spending, area hotels experienced a substantial increase in room reservation.
The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau of Greater Cleveland requested area hotels to anticipate the need of 1,000 rooms prior to the debate.
However, Brown said the need of 1,000 rooms did not necessarily mean 1,000 people visited the region.
“If one person stays for five nights, then that counts as five hotel ‘room nights,’” Brown said.
However, one area hotel manager expected a $20,000 increase in sales due to the debate and booked 100-200 “room nights” one week before the debate for attendees.
Candice Casey, director of sales and marketing for Embassy Suites Cleveland, said Embassy Suites expected a surge in business stemming from the debate.
“We are projecting at least a 10-15 percent increase in hotel occupancy,” Casey said.
Candidates and campaign staff members were offered a governmental hotel rate of $107 a night, but they did not have to accept it, according to Brown.Impact on restaurants
Hotels are not the only businesses to profit from the debate. Area restaurants also have benefited.
“The debate is good for the city of Cleveland and CSU. It has brought a lot of buzz, excitement, and expectation with it,” said Mike Frangos, owner of Rascal House Pizza.
There has been an influx of customers at the Rascal House located on Euclid Avenue.
In addition to CSU students, supporters of the two Democratic candidates and out of town reporters and media crew also patronized the restaurant.
Elements Bistro on Euclid, the newest restaurant to open on the CSU campus, extended its hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 26 to serve its customers.
But, Café Ah-Roma’s business was affected slightly by the cancellation of class at CSU.Matthew Gadus contributed to this report.