Lucerne Festival had its economic benefits analyzed in 2015 by the University of St. Gallen. It was, after the years 2000 and 2008, the third study. The same method was always used.
Adding to this economic added value for the region of CHF 22.6 million is the advertising value generated by media reports abroad. The study puts this at 1.1 million francs.
According to the St. Galler study, Lucerne Festival today contributes 20 to 22 million francs to regional value added. In 2000, the value was 18 million francs lower. In 2008, when the festival time was a week longer, it was 24 to 25 million francs higher.
The visitors were responsible for the high regional purchasing power inflow, which made substantial expenditures in the context of the festival, according to the study. This contribution to value creation was around 11 million francs.
According to the study, the sponsors, who in addition to the sponsorship contributions contribute around 8 million francs, play an important role. In addition there are investments of the festival and expenses for the care of the artists.
The regional purchasing power inflows benefit primarily the restaurants and the hotels. Through pre-production, the overall contribution of Lucerne Festival to regional value creation in model calculations increases to around 30 million francs.
Lucerne Festival had budgeted revenue of CHF 24.2 million in 2015. The majority is covered by the ticket sales as well as sponsorship and patronage contributions. Government subsidies amounted to 1.4 million francs. The investments in the festival were worthwhile for the economy as well as for the canton and the city, is the conclusion of the Lucerne Festival.
If the Lucerne Festival were to expand its program, as planned with the Salle Modulable, the economic benefits could be further increased. There is considerable potential for growth, says the study. A reduction in subsidies, as reflected in Lucerne, would clearly be counterproductive.
