The three-day 2011 Hy-Vee Triathlon, which begins Friday, is expected to have a $3 million economic impact on the area, according to the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

“We’re extremely fortunate to host an event of this stature in our community,” said Chris Coleman, chairman of the bureau’s board. “Sporting events continue to be a big draw for visitors and groups. The Hy-Vee Triathlon 5150 U.S. Championship gives us the opportunity to further market Des Moines nationally through athletes and media from all over the country.”

Of the 2,200 participants, 1,700 are visitors, some from other countries. The visiting athletes, coaches, families and fans are spending dollars at area hotels, restaurants, attractions and on transportation within Greater Des Moines for, on average, five nights.

In a separate analysis, a travel organization said bookings for fall travel in the United States appear to be holding their own, despite extreme volatility in the nation’s economy, according to an annual nationwide survey of travel agents.

The survey by Travel Leaders found that 55 percent of agents said the number of bookings is higher this year, and 24 percent said they’re about even with a year ago.

The numbers are slightly better than last year’s results and significantly higher than in 2009, when fewer than 10 percent of agents said bookings had increased.

Las Vegas, Orlando and Honolulu are the top three destinations being booked for the remainder of the year, the survey of 443 Travel Leaders owners, managers and travel agents found.