News and Announcements
Tryon International Equestrian Center: Contender for the 2018 World Equestrian Games
Saturday Nights Lights events at the main International Arena at TIEC have attracted a large following.
Saturday Nights Lights events at the main International Arena at TIEC have attracted a large following.
MILL SPRING, NC- Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners, confirmed today that the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C. is working with United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to ensure that the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) remain in North America and USEF has communicated its support of the initiative to the FEI for the 2018 WEG.
The WEG, which is administered by the Fédération Equestre International (FEI), the worldwide governing body of equestrian sport, occurs every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle and is the major international championship event for Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining. The Bromont venue, located in Canada, which had been awarded the 2018 games, announced last week that they were withdrawing from their hosting arrangement with the FEI.
The United States Equestrian Federation has communicated via letter to the FEI their strong support of the bid to host the 2018 Games in North Carolina. William Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of USEF commented, "While it is unfortunate the games will not be able to take place at Bromont, the USEF believes it is critical that the WEG remain in North America as intended so that the globalization of the sport can continue." USEF President, Chrystine Tauber added "Mark Bellissimo and Tryon Equestrian Partners have a brand new venue, deep experience and sufficient resources to make this happen. They have the USEF's full endorsement."
Both N.C. and S.C. state and local governments have expressed support of the bid. The last WEG in North America was held in Lexington, Kentucky in 2010. The games had an economic impact of $201.5 million over the event's 14 days according to a financial study commissioned by the state.
"North Carolina's infrastructure and natural beauty make our state a natural fit to host the 2018 World Equestrian Games," said Governor McCrory. "We will support efforts to host the Games in our state which will provide not only a positive experience to all those attending, but a significant boost to North Carolina's rapidly growing economy."
S.C. Governor Haley echoed support for the WEG. "We have a long and rich history in equestrian competition, and welcome the opportunity to showcase our state's world-renowned hospitality and tourism assets to the attendees and participants of this prestigious event," said Governor Haley.
Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP) has invested over $125 million dollars over the last two years developing 1,500 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to create what they believe to be the premier equestrian lifestyle destination and resort in the world. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is the centerpiece of that effort. This venue includes 1,200 permanent stalls, 12 competition arenas, a lighted international arena that seats 6,000 (expandable to 12,000) with multiple VIP areas, a large covered/indoor arena that seats 5,000, as well a world-class cross country course which will support both Eventing and Driving. TIEC is nestled within North Carolina horse country which is accessible to hundreds of miles of equestrian trails to support Endurance.
2015 Visitor Impact for Polk County
Spending by Domestic Visitors Increases by 11.8 percent to $26.76 million
(August 24, 2016) – Visit North Carolina has published the 2015 N.C. visitor spending figures. In the announcement, Gov. Pat McCrory highlighted Polk County as having the largest percent increase in visitor spending in the state. Domestic visitors to and within Polk County spent $26.76 million in 2015, an increase of 11.8 percent from 2014.
Polk County tourism impact highlights for 2015 include:
Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Polk County was $3.92 million, an increase of 16.5% (also the highest percent increase in the state).
State tax revenue generated in Polk County totaled $1.41 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. About $1.51 million in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.
Polk County’s rank by visitor spending (in dollars) increased to 78th in the state from 80th.
Each Polk County resident saves $143 in taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state.
These statistics are from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2015,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by the U.S. Travel Association. In the study, economic impact is represented by measures of spending, employment, payroll, business receipts, and tax revenues generated by traveler spending. Travel expenditures include spending by travelers on goods and services during their trips, such as lodging, transportation, meals, entertainment, retail shopping.
“Tourism continues to be a major driver of economic development across North Carolina, which is the sixth most-visited state in the country.” said Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit North Carolina.