Estimating the Economic Impacts of Seven Regular Sport Tourism Events

TLDR

Existing sport tourism impact studies usually focus on a single event, limiting comparison across diverse events. This study aims to estimate and compare visitor‑expenditure economic impacts across seven regular sport tourism events. The authors collected visitor expenditure profiles for seven South Carolina events and applied input–output analysis to estimate economic impacts. Results show attendance and expenditure trends, rank events, and highlight the need for complementary activities to help planners and officials maximize sport tourism effectiveness.

Abstract

Published studies regarding sport tourism economic impacts tend to estimate the effects of one sport event, offering little opportunity to compare diverse events that cater to different audiences. The purpose of this study was to estimate and compare the economic impacts of visitor expenditures at seven regular, participant-based sport tourism events. All chosen events took place, at least in part, in the state of South Carolina, USA. Primary data collection of expenditure profiles was used in conjunction with input–output analysis to determine economic impact estimates. The results of this study present trends regarding sport tourism event attendance, expenditure rankings and the need for complementary activities that can be of use to sport tourism event planners and government officials interested in maximizing the effectiveness of sport initiatives.