WestWorld – the city of Scottsdale’s largest indoor/outdoor events venue, is playing an increasingly pivotal role in driving tourism and economic growth in the region. 

An economic impact study, commissioned by the city and conducted by the Arizona State University Seidman Research Institute demonstrates WestWorld’s ability to attract high-spending visitors. 

According to the study, the regional effect of WestWorld’s 2023/2024 operations included:

• $163.6 million contribution to the state's GDP
  
• $85.6 million in labor income
  
• 1,813 jobs supported statewide
  
• $4.8 million in Transaction Privilege and Transient Tax collections

The report evaluated nine major events hosted at WestWorld between October 2023 and June 2024. Researchers administered both in-person and online questionnaires to quantify expenditures made by event organizers and visitors. The findings were then extrapolated to estimate the overall economic impact of major 22 ticketed events held at WestWorld of Scottsdale. This approach accounted for direct, indirect, and induced economic effects on both Scottsdale and Maricopa County.

The assessment excluded Scottsdale residents and centered on spending from outside visitors who bring fresh dollars into the local economy.

While the study focused on major ticketed events, they are only part of the annual activity at the 384-acre WestWorld venue. Last year, the facility hosted 88 events spread over 356 days of activity. 

“WestWorld is a tremendous asset to Scottsdale,” said Rachel Smetana, Scottsdale’s tourism and events director. “With the right investments and strategies, it has the potential to attract larger, more diverse events, creating even greater economic benefits for our city, while solidifying our place as a top tourism destination.”

Review the reports:

• The annual economic impact of WestWorld for the city of Scottsdale
  
• The annual economic impact of WestWorld for Maricopa County