Are the World Choir Games boosting the local economy?

CINCINNATI - Along with the World Choir Games comes big expectations for a boost to the local economy... More than 73 million dollars projected for the region according to a University of Cincinnati study.

It's day three of the Games and the city is buzzing with activity.  But does more people walking the streets mean a profit for local businesses?

I asked Mick Douthat, Director of Sales and Marketing from the Garfield Suites Hotel.

"With the Reds being out of town and being a holiday week, typically we'd be pretty slow, but I think I can say without hesitation that this will probably be the largest revenue-generating month of July that we've ever seen," Douthat said.

Other hotels I spoke with also said that this week has been better than trend because holiday weeks are typically slower weeks. But when business travelers return next week, they'll compare the numbers to see how much more the Games affect occupancy.  

Small business owner Emil Mallat from Total Juice said in general, he's expecting to be very busy.

"The city has to keep growing and keep bringing big events like this to Cincinnati so that small business owners like us can profit from it whether it's a small amount or a large amount," Mallat said.

Downtown Cincinnati Incorporated's president and CEO David Ginsburg said it's too early to tell the economic impact but that the city looks phenomenal.

"Even if it all stopped today, it would be worthwhile for just how great our city looks, and I hope we can keep it going," Ginsburg said.

The games run through July 14, so stay with 9 News as we continue to see how much money flows into the city as a result of the event.