Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau events up significantly

The Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau reported double-digit growth through the first eight months of its fiscal year.

Since July 1, convention, meeting and sports events represent more than $40,547,237 in total sales. Those events will support more than  11,700 jobs in the hospitality industry and generate more than $2,331,000 in Connecticut sales tax, according to the group”™s president Scott Phelps.

Compared to a year ago at this time, Phelps said, total leads issued are up more than 19 percent. “Definite room nights” are over 26 percent higher than last year at 49,983, while total “lead room nights” are up 9 percent at 205,710.

“During the past year, despite budget challenges, our staff and board have maximized our partnerships with hotels, attractions and restaurants in Connecticut to enable us to aggressively sell our state at some of the most strategic sales shows in our industry,” Phelps said.

“Our presence at these shows ”“ hosting booths, presenting information sessions and scheduling one-on-one appointments ”“ is reaping great results with meeting planners and sports promoters,” he said. “And our larger delegations convey that Connecticut is eager and ready to do business.”