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PARK CITY — The Sundance Film Festival generated more than $191 million in state economic impact and more than $19 million in state and local tax revenue, as well as a record number of attendees, according to a study released by an analytics firm Tuesday.
In all, a record 124,900 people from 49 states and 26 foreign countries attended the festival, according to data collected by Salt Lake City-based Y2 Analytics. The numbers released Tuesday show a 26-percent spike in economic impact from 2017 when Sundance generated an estimated $151 million in economic impact and brought in $14 million in state and local tax revenue.
The Sundance Film Festival has generated an estimated $585.4 million over the past five years, Sundance Institute spokesman Jason Berger said in a news release.
“More than ever, the people of Utah and our business community appreciate the unique benefits provided by the Sundance Film Festival. We look forward to our ongoing work together and the positive collaboration between Sundance Institute and the state,” Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said in the news release.
Berger credited new venues, such as The Ray theater, for an uptick in attendance. Y2 Analytics estimated 45,000 people attended from out of state, and the average out-of-state visitor spent more than $3,500 over a median stay of five days.
Lodging led to the highest amount of spending, at $62.9 million, while recreation and entertainment reeled in another $49.9 million, according to the analytical firm.
The data was collected with the help of another Utah firm, Blyncsy, which used digital data and surveys to collect the final estimates.
Editor's note: The content of this article was taken from a press release sent out by Sundance Institute. This is not information gathered by KSL.com reporters.
