Creating a Cultural Tourism Engine for Georgia

An economic impact analysis of the future Atlanta Symphony Center, conducted by the international consulting firm Deloitte Consulting, LLP and released in September 2005, forecasts a striking economic impact for the State of Georgia — $2.0 billion in new economic growth during construction and through the first ten years of operation. 

$2 billion in total economic impact through 2020

• $1.45 billion during the first 10 years of operation
• $537 million during construction
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Throughout its history, the ASO has been a leader in building Georgia’s cultural landscape, reaching an annual audience of over 2.5 million through performances, educational offerings, community and state engagement activities and local and international broadcasts.  At the same time, the ASO has continually strived for fiscal responsibility and through jobs, ticket sales, taxes and other fiscal indicators, has become a significant economic driver for the State.  Economic and tax impact models quantify the ASO’s annual presence in Georgia at nearly $100 million each year and a current direct impact of 550 jobs.

Examples exist around the country of new performing arts centers that have revitalized communities and attracted visitors in droves. In Dallas, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, the story is the same.  Internationally, the Sydney Opera House makes more money from tours of the venue itself than from performance subscriptions.   

Tourism is a crucial economic engine fueling Georgia’s economy, ranking second only to agribusiness in terms of jobs and revenues created.  The Symphony Center will be an important linchpin in tourism—one of our state’s leading industries. With Calatrava’s dramatic design, the strength of a premiere orchestra, and unparalleled Learning Center, the new Atlanta Symphony Center is projected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, providing a substantial boost to the state’s economy.