HIGH POINT – The United Healthcare North Carolina Marathon will receive another event booking incentive from the High Point Convention and Visitor’s Bureau next year.

An incentive for $10,000 was passed at the bureau’s meeting on Wednesday as officials said the event has a significant impact on the city. According to the bureau’s figures, it is estimated to bring 3,000 people to High Point with an economic impact of $503,040.

The N.C. Marathon received an incentive for the same amount in March, when it was first relocated to High Point from Greensboro. It is scheduled for March 20, 2010.

Marva Wells, sales manager for the bureau, said several of the city’s key tourism events from September and October had also been re-booked for the coming year.

The High Point Classic DanceSport Championship, held Oct. 23-25, said it would return to High Point again in 2010. It brought an estimated 750 attendees to the city who booked 220 hotel room nights, according to the bureau.

“Sales activity for September and October performed very well,” Wells said.

Other tourism events included the Miss North Carolina USA Pageant Forum that brought 200 attendees Sept. 11-13 and the International Natural Body Fitness Atlantic Coast Body Building competition held Oct. 9-11, which brought 150 attendees to the city. About 1,200 visitors came for the High Point University Family and Alumni Weekend.

phaynes@hpe.com | 888-3617