Public Sector Support for Sport Tourism Events: The Role of Cost-benefit Analysis

Economic analysis is important in assessing the impacts and net benefits of sport tourism. The economic impacts of sporting events include the contribution to employment and income, both nationally and regionally. Sport tourism is also regarded as associated with a range of other benefits (and costs) of a more ‘intangible’ nature that impact on local communities as well as on entire regions. This study provides an overview of the framework of event impact assessment, distinguishing between a ‘narrower’ and ‘wider’ set of economic impacts and also ‘intangible’ impacts. It then explores the role of cost benefit analysis in the public support of special events.