Hello again from sunny South Africa

I am drawing up a proposal for visitor research for a group of municipal
museums. One of the problems that they are facing, however, is
increasing marginilsation by the City Council, which jkeeps cutting their
funds. The only arguement that these guys apparently understand is a
money arguement.

I have seen some stats in 'Museums for a New Century' on the sort of
money that museums can bring in through tourists, visitors, etc. Since
this city is keen to market itself as a tourist and conference centre these
would be good arguements for them.

Does anybody know of studies done anywhere in the world on the
economic contribution made by having museums in your city, both
directly through attracting visitors that pay hotel bills etc and indirectly
through increased well-being etc.

I would really appreciate some references on this.

Thanks in advance

Kathryn Mathers
Pretoria