Estimating the Economic Impacts of Seven Regular Sport Tourism Events

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.