William and Kate tour gave Calgary $2.3M boost

The three-day royal visit this summer from Prince William and his wife, Kate, gave a big economic boost to Calgary, according to tourism officials.

Tourism Calgary estimates the newlyweds, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, drew about 7,000 more hotel guests to the city for the first weekend of the Stampede in July, compared to last year.

Aside from the free advertising generated by thecouple's tour to Calgary and the Stampede, the royals are believed to have helped inject at $2.3 million into the local economy.

Randy Williams, the CEO of Tourism Calgary, said that's a conservative figure.

"We have to appreciate as well, that there's many people that come to Calgary who don't stay in hotels; maybe stay with family and friends," he said. "They're also spending money in our community, going to attractions, going for dinner and so on, so the $2.3 million is a minimum economic impact. And we know that the beneft will be far greater than just that."

As for long-term benefits, Tourism Calgary estimates that $50 million worth of publicity was drummed up for Calgary and Calgary Stampede awareness around the world due to theroyal visit.