SALISBURY- Though the Democratic National Convention is being hosted by Charlotte, Salisbury hotels will be filled with some of the overflow people working the event.
 
Hampton Inn General Manager Krista Osterweil said she expects some security staff, financial staff and even some media at her hotel. So far, the Convention requested 80 percent of the hotel's 199 rooms the first week of September.

"They toured the property, looked at some of our guest rooms and told us we would more than likely have security and media staying in this area," said Osterweil.
 
The Holiday Inn on Jake Alexander Boulevard and the Comfort Suites on Innes Street are also committing 80 percent of their rooms for the convention.
 
Unlike the state delegates, who were assigned hotels in Charlotte and Concord, the staff in Salisbury will most likely have little free time beyond the convention, which means less economic impact.

"If you look at it from the standpoint if there wasn't going to be a convention versus a convention, the revenue of the hotels will be much higher, the occupancy taxes generated will be much higher," said Jay Meachum, of the Salisbury-Rowan Convention and Visitors Bureau.
 
There is still a lot that remains to be seen, Meacham said. The rooms are committed but there are few details right now as to who will be in them.