Northeastern U.S. Motorcoach Travel and Tourism Research

The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) commissions research to measure how motorcoach-based tourism uplifts local economies across the U.S. This report examines the economic impact of motorcoach travel in the Northeastern U.S., including Washington, D.C., Lancaster, PA,  and New York City.

Economic Impact of Motorcoach Travel in the Northeastern United States

Executive Summary

• About the Report: The primary objectives of the study conducted in 2002 were to:
  • Identify bus tour characteristics, including frequency, duration, type of accommodations, local attractions, tour size, and the average travel package price.
  • Create three distinct formulas based on the data collected that cities can use to determine the economic impact of bus tours in their specific area.
  • Determine the impact of bus tours on local businesses in the areas studied.
  • Estimate the economic impact of bus passengers on regularly scheduled bus service.
• Key Highlights:
  • The average total number of nights spent in each destination was reported to be 1.3 in Washington, 0.7 in Lancaster, and 1.0 in New York. 
  • The average number of day passengers per bus was 39.1 for Washington, 45.7 for Lancaster, and 45.0 for New York. The average number of overnight passengers was 45.4 for Washington, 38.1 for Lancaster, and 38.4 for New York.
  • The average amount spent per bus on accommodations, meals, attractions, fuel, and additional fees in each of the destinations was $4,780.31 in Washington, $4302.01 in Lancaster, and $7,107.47 in New York.
  • The estimated share of total business generated from bus tours per quarter ranged from a low of 18.3 percent January through March to a high of 40% April through June. The estimated amount spent per bus passenger at each of these establishments was $15 at restaurants, $35 at retail locations, $268.12 at hotels, and $35 at attractions.

Citation

• How to Cite This Report: American Bus Association. (2002). Bus Tours and Bus Passengers: Impact on Local Economies. Retrieved from https://www.buses.org/aba-foundation-research-summary/northeast-united-states-motorcoach-travel-and-tourism-industry-economic-impact-research/.
• Report Author: Dr. Lisa Delpy Neirotti.
• Sponsored by: American Bus Association Foundation.
• Contact information: For inquiries, email research@buses.org or call (202) 218-7227.

Methodology

• All work for the study was done in the field in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Lancaster, Pa., three tourism destinations with unique attractions and characteristics. The study was implemented between January 2001 and July 2001. Data for this study was collected from nine major bus companies primarily located in the North East, over 900 bus tour passengers on day and overnight tours in Washington, D.C., Lancaster, Pa., and New York, N.Y., 394 bus passengers on regular scheduled bus service from either Washington, D.C. or New York City and 28 local businesses.