McKinney analyzes CJ Cup impact on visitor spending and tourism growth

McKinney is set to enhance its tourism strategy following a detailed analysis of visitor data from the recent CJ Cup golf tournament. During a government meeting on August 26, 2025, officials discussed the findings from geolocation data that highlighted significant trends in visitor spending and demographics compared to the previous year.

The analysis revealed that the 2025 CJ Cup attracted a larger share of out-of-state visitors, with 57% of attendees coming from beyond Texas, up from 52% in 2024. This increase is attributed to a stronger lineup of players, including local favorites, which likely boosted attendance. Notably, hotel occupancy rates surged, with 94% of accommodations filled by visitors from over 50 miles away, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.

Key insights from the data indicated that visitor spending contributed significantly to the local economy, particularly in lodging, dining, and shopping sectors. However, there was a slight decrease in the overall percentage of spending attributed to visitors, dropping to 35%. This shift suggests a growing reliance on local residents for economic support during events.

City officials emphasized the importance of leveraging this data to refine marketing strategies aimed at attracting more visitors from outside the immediate area. Plans are underway to enhance digital marketing efforts targeting regions showing increased interest, such as Houston and Chicago. The goal is to convert these visitors into longer stays, which would further benefit local businesses.

Additionally, discussions included the potential for expanding data collection to understand visitor behavior beyond McKinney, which could help identify areas for improvement in retaining tourists. The city is committed to using data-driven insights to optimize its tourism initiatives and ensure that events like the CJ Cup continue to have a positive economic impact.

As McKinney moves forward, the focus will remain on enhancing visitor experiences and maximizing the benefits of major events, ensuring that the community thrives economically while welcoming guests from afar.