Durham, N.C. — Tourism had a $465 million impact on Durham's economy in 2006, according to a new study.

The total included $335 million in direct benefits, $61 million in indirect benefits – suppliers to the tourism industry – and about $68 million in benefits as wages of those in the tourism industry ripple through the economy, according to an analysis by Global Insight.

The study also noted that Durham lost another $544 million in economic impact when visitors are sent to other area communities, businesses buy supplies from outside the city and wages are spent elsewhere by tourism workers.