Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479389
106 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2014 Tourism Industry sPOtLIGHt › By Christina H. Davis A mong the 15 dates on Bruce Springsteen's most recent U.S. tour, there were no stops in his home state of New Jersey, nor were there any in Boston or in New York City. But he did have two shows in Connecti- cut, at the 10,000-seat arena at Mohegan Sun in Southeastern Connecticut. What the Boss seems to recognize is that Connecticut is increasingly becoming a pre- mier destination for the world's most popular musical acts. In the last 12 months, headliners such as Justin Bieber, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus have all made appearances at one of the two casinos in the state — Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods — showing that Connecticut isn't just the insur- ance capital of the world. It's also an entertain- ment mecca, a fact that's not lost on Robert J. Soper, CEO of Mohegan Sun. "ere is an expectation that if you are an A-list act, then we're going to be a date on your tour," he said. Soper attributes the draw of Mohegan Sun to its location — right between the New York and Boston metropolitan areas. "We are strategically located," he said. "We serve the New England market." Geographic advantages Truthfully, that strategic location is a strong selling point for all of Connecticut and the various tourism attractions located here. From majestic fall color to calming Long Island Sound vistas, from mountaintop views to trendy fine dining, Connecticut's tourism industry offers nearly something for everyone. at variety of attractions translates into an $11.5 billion business in Connecti- cut, according to Randy Fiveash, director of the state's Office of Tourism. e industry accounts for 110,000 jobs in the state and con- tributes $1.15 billion in state and local taxes. e numbers help reinforce the fact that tourism in Connecticut has a tangible — and important — economic impact. "e average resident probably doesn't really realize what the tourism industry is Mystic Seaport helps anchor Mystic Country in the southeastern part of the state. From its tranquil shoreline to its two world-class casinos, Connecticut has it all Sector Sponsored By: Tourism PHOTO/OFFICE OF TOURISM-MICHAEL MELFORD