Economic Impact of Event Attendees' Spending On a Host Region: A Review of the Research

Abstract

This literature review attempts a systematic and organized overview of the relevant literature on the economic impact of attendees' consumption at sporting events. The discussion focuses on (a) how and to what extent events may influence travel and spending behavior of persons living “in” (locals) and “outside” (nonlocals) the region under investigation, and (b) what is the economic stimulus for the host region of event-related money flows from both groups' consumption. According to the economic effects on the local economy, expenditures made by both groups—locals and nonlocals—are categorized as positive, neutral, or negative. Furthermore, based on a theoretical discussion based on the review, a practical framework for determining the composition of event attendees according to their primary economic stimulus to a host region is presented. Finally, avenues for future research are identified.