Cirque du Soleil show boosts Montco economy

‘VOLTA’ midway through 6-week engagement

UPPER PROVIDENCE » Cirque du Soleil’s show “VOLTA” is in the middle of its six-week engagement under the Big Top outside the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks.

While it is still too soon to get a sense of the full economic impact of the show on Montgomery County, one thing is clear at this point: show organizers and tourism officials feel confident the local economy is getting a boost.

In a recent interview with Digital First Media, Cirque du Soleil company manager Yannick Spierkel said the economic impact of the Big Top show “VOLTA” could range between $14 million and $20 million. That figure is based on results in other communities where Cirque du Soleil has performed.

“It’s an average in North America for us. The final figure always depends on the popularity of the show, and also the habits of the people. It’s really the impact overall of the attraction in the market,” he said.

Spierkel added that locally, Cirque du Soleil will spend about $2 million, “during the two months we are here — in staff, products, services and lodging.”

Spierkel said ticket sales for the show have been good so far. “VOLTA” debuted July 12 and runs through Aug. 19. Spierkel said sales picked up once the Big Top was erected.

“That created attention. Our best billboard is our big top,” he said. “We see sales pick up when we arrive in a city and then get to the premier.”

Edward Harris is chief marketing officer for the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention