The attractions industry is a significant driver of the US economy, generating a total economic impact of nearly $219bn in 2011, a new study indicates.

Based on research sponsored by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, the US attractions industry grew at nearly twice the rate of the country's overall economy from 2004­-2011.

According to the report, in 2004 the attractions industry generated a total economic impact of $146bn. Over seven years, the impact of attractions in the US grew 50 per cent with an average growth rate of six per cent per annum.

"Attractions generate a ripple effect of economic activity, including direct industry sales ($34bn), capital expenditures ($5bn), and the ancillary spending of out­-of­-town visitors at local establishments outside the attraction, such as hotels, restaurants, and retailers ($52bn)," the report stated.

"A full measurement of the impact of the attractions industry also includes indirect and induced impacts ($127bn) through the supply chain and the spending of attractions­ generated incomes."