Opinion

Snowbirds contribute economically, socially

The annual migration began this holiday weekend. Snowbirds, sometimes called doves of the desert, fleeing the cold, damp northern tier states, come south for the winter, bask in Tucson's sun, soak up our traditions and culture and pour millions of dollars into the Tucson economy. Winter residents - the preferred term of reference - contribute more than $48 million to the Tucson economy every year, according to Dan Austin, president of the nonprofit Arizona Winter Visitors Association. Citing Northern Arizona University statistics for 2003-2004, Austin said the statewide economic impact of winter visitors is about $664 million, which he said is the equivalent of about 28,000 jobs. Arizona State University economics professor Stephen Happel, who has conducted snowbird-activity surveys since the early 1980s, estimates anywhere from a half-billion to a billion dollars will be spent in Arizona this winter. Snowbirds have a major impact on restaurants and big general-merchandise stores, said Happel, in an Aug. 18 Star EAST story by Jenifer Javia. Happel's most recent survey was taken about two years ago. Austin said $10 million of the $48 million spent in Tucson went to food and beverage, which translates into restaurants. Happel's surveys indicate that an average couple spends $1,500 to $2,000 a month on living expenses, according to the Aug. 16 story. Because snowbird nesting habits vary, these monthly living expenses vary greatly. More than three-quarters of the winter residents are more than 60 years old and stay here for up to six months, the Star reported Jan. 10, 2002. Nearly one-third of the winter visitors live in RVs or mobile homes, almost one-half stay in apartments, condominiums or duplexes, and almost one-fourth live in a second home, the Star reported. This is a big group of people, and full-time residents seem to enjoy teasing them about mispronounced Spanish names and misuse of idioms. It also appears customary to vent frustration about out-of-state vehicles creeping along in rush-hour traffic. The bottom line is that "high season" for the tourism sector of Tucson's economy starts now and will continue into March. Tourism as a whole contributes more than $1.8 billion to the economy each year, according to the Tucson Department of Urban Planning and Design Web site. Winter residents contribute a chunk of change to Tucson's economic base, spending their dollars at local restaurants, shops, galleries and golf courses and paying several months of rent or year-round house payments. They fill seats at the theater and concert venues and force us to make reservations at popular restaurants. These inconveniences for full-time residents are good for the local establishments and for the economy. (Remember, summer specials will roll around in May when restaurants entice locals with sizzling deals.) Snowbirds share more than their money. They become part of our community, contributing their time and talent as volunteers and offering new and tried-and-true ways of looking at things. Most winter visitors accept the term "snowbird" with grace and good humor, though some view it as offensive. Perhaps it's time to use "Snowbird" only when referring to the ski resort in Utah and give our part-time Tucsonans the respect due their contributions and refer to them as "winter residents." - A.B.