The economic impact of local sport events: significant, limited or otherwise? A case study of four swimming events

It is widely recognized that sports events can act as a ‘catalyst’ for economic development and urban regeneration. Much has been made of the potential economic benefits of hosting major sport events. Indeed, much of the research in the UK has focused on the economic impacts of sport events such as the First Cornhill Test Match; England vs. Australia (1997), 2000 Flora London Marathon, 2001 World Snooker Championships, 2001 World Half Marathon to name a few. However, while all of these studies have focused on so called ‘major’ events this study examines much smaller ones. This research utilizes the standardized methodology and model established by UK Sport to produce an accurate estimate of the additional expenditure generated by four swimming events. The results suggest that small-scale local swimming events have the potential to generate unequivocal economic benefit to their host communities providing that secondary expenditure opportunities are available. In total more than £80,000 was generated over 8 days of competition, though this was spread disproportionately between the events. Commercial accommodation was responsible for the majority of the expenditure, followed by food and drink and shopping and souvenirs.