The Bilbao Effect

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Contemporary urban theorists suggest that works of cutting-edge architecture can drive tourists to cities simply through their remarkable appearance. Quartzsite is like the Bilbao effect, except there is no building.

RV tourism now drives Quartzsite's economy. Nine major gem and mineral shows and more than fifteen general swap meeting shows encourage tourists to make Quartzsite a destination. Above all, however, Quartzsite attracts RV'ers simply because other RV'ers are there.

The seventy-odd campsites in Quartzsite are generally privately owned and charge a moderate daily fee for usage. A sizeable percentage of travelers opt out of these areas and choose to stay on Bureau of Land Management land where it is possible to stay for free for up to two weeks. Sometimes small communities form in both of these areas. Often these develop on the basis of extended family ties or group membership, such as nudists or Rainbow Children.

According to the town government, Quartzsite's largest employers are Love's Truck/Auto Center with 50 employees, Pilot Truck Center, Dairy Queen and Subway Restaurant with 40, McDonald's with 20 permanent and 20 seasonal, the Town of Quartzsite with 30, and Burger King/Pizza Hut/Mobil with 25 permanent and 30 seasonal.

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