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Economic value

Events can stimulate infrastructure spending, employment, tourism, international exposure, and other potential economic and social benefits.

Australia has been highly successful in attracting many of the world’s highest profile sporting events, such as Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships in a range of sports, the Asian Football Confederation Cup, Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup, Formula One Grand Prix, Tour Down Under, and many more.

These events stimulate infrastructure spending, employment, tourism (both Australian and international), international exposure, and other potential economic and social benefits. 8

Hosting a major sporting event will generally rely upon some level of assistance from local, state/territory, and/or federal governments. 9,11 Data on most economic inputs reflect the cost of facilities and infrastructure and organisational cost, including employment, marketing, and security. 8 Profit/loss reports reflect only the direct outputs, such as merchandising and ticket sales.

Various forms of economic analysis are based upon models with very different assumptions, particularly in terms of the initial investment and long-term legacy. For example, not all events require a heavy infrastructure investment. The 2015 Asian Cup football tournament used primarily existing infrastructure and stadiums and therefore did not need major infrastructure funding and could capitalise on other investment opportunities. 9 On the other hand, it has been argued the lead-up investment in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, which required heavy infrastructure investment, had a slightly negative economic impact when analysed as a stand-alone investment. 10

It is likely that a very substantial (if short term) boost to the local economy can result from a sporting event, which does not show on an event profit/loss statement. 12 The various economic and social impacts on the community are not always apparent. 13,14

Major sporting events can also be used as a catalyst for new market development in emerging innovation sectors, targeting emerging competitive advantage areas for Australia and leveraging business and government networks (business-to-business outcomes, international relations, diplomacy, and public-private partnerships). They can also offer Australian companies unique access to global markets and partnerships. 15 The Australian Government’s global trade network alongside peak industry bodies, including the Australian chambers of commerce, play a critical role in facilitating business outcomes in global sports markets. 15

More information on the tourism and international reputation impacts of events can be found in the Showcasing Australia section of this topic.

Estimates of economic impact of key events

  • The 2020 Santos Tour Down Under (cycling) attracted 44,000 people to South Australia, generated a significant injecting 742 jobs and more than AU$66 million into the economy. The event also receives wide international media coverage. In 2018 the TDU generated 27,500 items of media coverage which had a potential audience of 558 million people worldwide. 17
  • The economic impact of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games for Queensland is AUD$2billion increase in Gross State Product (GSP) over 9 years; including over 16,000 jobs. 18
  • The 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand generated more than AU$1.1 billion in direct spending and created the equivalent of 8,320 full-time jobs. 16
  • The 2015 Asian Cup (football) exceeded all expectations with attendance figures of over 620,000 (an average of 20,326 per game) with eight sell out matches (including three not involving the Socceroos). The event created AU$128 million in direct expenditure and the Football Federation Australia (FFA) saw a 6% increase in club registrations. 9,19
  • The 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games was estimated to result in an increase in GSP of around AU$1.6 billion. The positive impact of the Games on the Victorian economy was derived primarily from tourism and facilities investment (required to undertake the Games). 20

Resources and reading

  • Bathurst 1000 Turbocharges Central West Economy, opens in a new tab, NSW Government,Destination NSW media release, (10 October 2022). The Repco Bathurst 1000 has roared around Mount Panorama, showcasing exhilarating motor racing and driving significant economic benefits to the region. “An estimated 20,000 visitors made the trip to Bathurst over the four-day event injecting $17 million in tourism dollars, with many fans extending their visit to the broader Central West,” Mr Franklin said.
  • Blockbuster October long weekend to inject more than $50 million into NSW visitor economy, opens in a new tab, NSW Government media release, (1 October 2025). Western Sydney will kick off the festivities with 82,000 fans expected at the 2025 NRL and NRLW Grand Finals at Accor Stadium, while all eligible licensed premises showing the matches will be able to trade until midnight on Grand Final day. Southwest Sydney will host the AusCycling BMX National Championships (6–12 October), bringing around 4000 visitors including 1600 riders to Camden.
  • Inside the industry preparing for a ‘golden decade’ of jobs - and you might not even know they exist, opens in a new tab, Alex Chapman, 7news, (19 June 2022). Sports industry experts are expecting a “golden decade” with Australia set to host the Olympic Games in 2032 and the Commonwealth Games in 2026. Combine that with recurring annual events such as the Australian Open and the Formula 1 and tens of thousands of jobs are expected to be created. But Dr Hunter Fujak of Deakin University says that next to nobody knows the opportunities exist. “Sport jobs are kind of like an iceberg,” he told 7NEWS.com.au. “And part of the reason we don’t think of them is because we see the athletes on the screen, but it takes a village to grow an athlete.”
  • Sporting thrills on wheels returning for Santos Festival of Cycling, opens in a new tab, Tourism SA, (20 September 2021). The Santos Tour Down Under is a much-loved event on the world cycling and Australian sporting calendar and an important economic driver for South Australia, attracting 44,000 people, injecting 742 jobs and more than $66 million into the economy when last held in 2020.
  • Economic impact of Cricket World Cup 2019 revealed, opens in a new tab, Ben Avison, Host City, (4 March 2020). The findings of an economic impact and benefits analysis carried out on behalf of the ICC by The Sports Consultancy show that the tournament generated almost GBP 350 million of economic impact through additional money spent in the host economy by event visitors and organisers as well as business to business supplier contracts and broader consumer spend.
  • £8.1 million boost for Liverpool economy following Netball World Cup, opens in a new tab, Sheffield Hallam University, (28 February 2020). The £8.18m boost was generated by the influx of fans (£6.04m), other attendee groups such as the media and event personnel (£1.32m) and the organisers (£0.82m).Overall 6.07 million people in Britain attended, watched or followed the tournament which took place in July 2019.
  • Play for all: Invictus Games Sydney 2018, opens in a new tab, Nicola Alcorn, Deloitte, (8 February 2019). Invictus Games Sydney 2018 welcomed 491 competitors and over 1000 of their family and friends from 18 participating nations for 8 days of competition. The celebration of strength and recovery inspired many, and amassed 1000 avid volunteers for the event. The events were held in Sydney Harbour and at Sydney Olympic Park, enabling community participation and driving community spirit through play.
    • It is estimated that competitors, family and friends, volunteers, and the general public spent approximately $5.4 million during their stay in NSW and 94% of this expenditure was in Sydney. The total organising, planning and tourism contribution of the Games is estimated at $29.7 million in value added and supported 211 FTE employees in the NSW economy.
  • Tour Down Under 2018 attracts record number of spectators and generates $63.7million, opens in a new tab, Nigel Wynn, Cycling Weekly, (16 May 2018). Australian WorldTour stage race breaks its previous record for number of spectators and visitors, and the amount of revenue generated by the January event. In addition to those who turned up to watch the race in person, the 2018 Tour Down Under generated 27,500 items of media coverage which had a potential audience of 558 million people worldwide.
  • Euro 2016 generates €1.22bn boost to French economy - report, opens in a new tab, Sport Business International, (12 January 2017). France’s hosting of the Uefa Euro 2016 national team football tournament provided a boost to the national economy of €1.22bn ($1.28bn), according to a report issued by the Centre for Law and Economics of Sport (CDES).
  • How Global Sporting Events Score Economic Goals, opens in a new tab, Mike Fletcher, Raconteur, (2 March 2016). As another summer of spectacular sport beckons, what is the business case for hosting a major global sporting event? Is the investment in stadiums and infrastructure matched by increased visitor numbers and spending?
  • Stats show Asian Cup in Australia brought $81m in direct spending, opens in a new tab[paywall], Tom Smithies, Daily Telegraph, (31 January 2016). A year after the Socceroos lifted the AFC Asian Cup, new research shows that hosting Asia's football showpiece created $81 million in economic impact for the country. More than $7 million was added to the country’s gross domestic product by a tournament that sold more than 650,000 tickets and produced eight sold-out games - a quarter of the overall fixtures. Fans flocked to games generating an average attendance of 20,000 spectators per game, partly driven by Australia’s successful run but also by a wide ranging multicultural program run by organisers in the build-up. The research shows that $81 million total direct expenditure nationally can be attributed to the Asian Cup, generating a boost of $7.3 million to GDP. Though this figure was only a third of some pre-tournament forecasts, the 2015 edition of the AFC Asian Cup was seen as easily the most successful in its history from a football perspective, with ticket sales 30% higher than the forecasts beforehand. More than 300 jobs were created, 15,000 tourists came from overseas and almost 30,000 interstate travellers visited other Australian states specifically for the Asian Cup. Of the $81 million of direct expenditure, $30 million came from the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (funded by the federal, NSW, Queensland and Victorian governments), $8m from interstate visitors and $43.2 million from international travellers.
  • Minding The Gap Between London's Olympic Economic Hype And Reality, opens in a new tab, Kenneth Rapoza, Forbes, (2 August 2012). Looks at the potential ROI of London hosting the Olympic Games referencing case studies of several other cities, such as Atlanta and Salt Lake City. Seems to argue that the long term results are generally positive, particularly in regards to updating major infrastructure (such as the London subway system). Such projects, without the impetus of hosting a Games, may not receive public support, but still provide a long-term benefit.

  • GC2018 Legacy: Beyond the Games report 2024, opens in a new tab, Ernst and Young (EY), (2024). In June 2023, the Department of Tourism and Sport (DTS) engaged the services of EY to prepare the final Post Games Legacy Report (this Report) to assess the benefits against key objectives listed in the associated Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. This evaluation framework was collaboratively developed by the Queensland State Government and City of Gold Coast and other partners. This Report also provides an analysis of lessons learnt and potential considerations for Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics Games legacy planning. Highlights relating to the economy include:
    • The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Trade and Investment Program (Trade 2018) resulted in numerous opportunities for Queensland businesses (including Indigenous businesses). It is estimated that City-run indoor sports venues bring in over $60 million in economic benefit annually to the Gold Coast.
    • Stakeholder consultation revealed that GC2018 also showcased the region’s infrastructure capabilities and resulted in international teams visiting Queensland for training camps. Stakeholders have revealed that business events have also increased in the State.
  • Study on the environmental and socio-economic impact of the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™, opens in a new tab, Utopies for Local Organising Committee and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), (February 2020: Translation: March 2021). Reflecting six months of work involving numerous organisations and territories, the results of the study provide a better understanding of and make it possible to gauge the environmental impact of the competition, as well as its economic influence and net capital gain for each of the affected territories. Since evaluating its social impact is a long-term process, this is still being analysed. Some of the key economic impacts highlighted included:
    • The competition made a direct, indirect and induced contribution of EUR 284m to France’s gross domestic product (GDP).
    • The net capital gain generated by the tournament is estimated to have contributed EUR 108m to France’s GDP (i.e. the annual salaries of 2,244 people).
    • Each euro spent on the organisation of this tournament (LOC + host territories), contributed EUR 1.30 to the GDP.
    • A total of EUR 195m was spent in France, of which 48% was spent by organisers (LOC, FIFA, FFF, host territories) and 52% by visitors (French and foreign).
  • Commonwealth Games Value Framework: Final report, opens in a new tab, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for the Commonwealth Games Federation, (December 2019). A new report evaluating the benefits and costs of hosting the Commonwealth Games, which is the largest and most detailed analysis of the event in history, has revealed that staging the competition has consistently provided an economic boost of over £1 billion for previous host cities along with an array of positive social and environmental benefits. Some of the key economic benefits and costs identified were:
    • Spending to host the Commonwealth Games boosts the host city/country economy in the years before, during and after the Games. Hosting the Games has boosted GDP in the host city/region by £0.8 billion– £1.2 billion and generated between 13,600 and 23,000 full time equivalent (FTE) years of employment before, during and after the Games.
    • Hosting the Games has led to increases in tourism of up to 25% in the three years after hosting, as well as trade deals agreements and investments of up to £400 million into the host city.
    • Total Games-related operating expenditure ranges from £221 million for Manchester 2002 to £749 million for Gold Coast 2018, whilst Games-related capital expenditure has varied between £75 million for Glasgow 2014 to £292 million for Gold Coast 2018. The public sector has historically contributed between 54% (Manchester 2002) and 83% (Gold Coast 2018) of the Games-related operating costs.
    • The Games have provided an effective fiscal dividend to host cities as they have attracted public funding which they would not otherwise have received. For example: for every £1 spent by local government on total Games-related expenditure (operating and capital), the national (and devolved) government contributed £2.7 in Manchester 2002 and £3.0 in Glasgow 2014; in Australia, the state government contributed 75% and 79% of total public-sector Games-related expenditure in Melbourne 2006 and Gold Coast 2018 respectively.
  • 2032 SEQ Olympic and Paralympic Games Feasibility Study, opens in a new tab, Council of Mayors South East Queensland and Lagardere Sports/EKS, (February 2019). The report considers two essential questions in determining feasibility. The first is ‘can’ the Games be staged in South East Queensland (SEQ)? The second, and perhaps more important question is ‘should’ Council of Mayors (SEQ) propose the hosting of an Olympic Games? It concludes that with an estimated bottom line of $900 million, early assessments indicate the Olympic and Paralympic Games are an affordable proposition for SEQ. The Council of Mayors (SEQ) encourages the Queensland Government to join with the SEQ Mayors in undertaking further economic assessments.
  • Economic impacts of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games: 2018 Post-Games Report, opens in a new tab, Tien Duc Pham, Susanne Becken, Michael Powell, Griffith University, (November 2018). This report, produced by Griffith University in 2018, builds on the earlier 2017 Economic Impact Study utilising Games year and post-Games data that is now available. It estimates the likely overall economic and employment benefits of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games for Queensland over the nine-year pre-Games, Games-year, and post-Games period (2013-2022).
  • Gold Coast business and the Commonwealth Games: Impact, legacy and opportunity, opens in a new tab, Joan Carlini and Andrew O’Neil, Griffith University, (July 2017). This report seeks to provide clarity around the various opportunities for business resulting from GC2018. It also aims to assist business to set realistic expectations enabling strategic decisions that will drive success, long after the Games has concluded. The report is structured in two parts. Part one provides background and context by detailing the scope of GC2018, lessons from previous global sporting mega-events, and the unique characteristics of GC2018 in relation to the Gold Coast. Part two identifies the macro factors affecting the Gold Coast, and provides an in-depth analysis of the opportunities for business to leverage major benefits from GC2018.
  • Cricket World Cup 2015 Ltd: economic impact and benefit analysis of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, opens in a new tab, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Final Report, (2015). The ICC CWC 2015 was hailed by the ICC Chairman as the ‘most popular Cricket World Cup in history’, based on a combination of attendance, television audience, and, perhaps most significantly, digital media. The widespread reach of the Tournament across much of the globe, including many non-cricketing nations, was one of the main contributors to its overwhelming success. This report found that the tournament provided a significant economic boost for co-hosts Australia and New Zealand, generating more than AU$1.1 billion in direct spending and creating the equivalent of 8,320 full-time jobs.
  • Annual report 2014-2015, opens in a new tab, Australian Government, Department of Health, (2015). The Asian Cup exceeded all expectations with attendance figures of over 620,000 (an average of 20,326 per game) with eight sell out matches (including three not involving the Socceroos). The CWC sold over 1 million tickets and had a global reach of more than 1.5 billion people. The events achieved significant outcomes in relation to the economy, trade and the community: the Asian Cup created $128 million in direct expenditure and Football Federation Australia has already seen a 6% increase in club registrations; the CWC injected $1.10 billion into the Australian and New Zealand economies and created 8,320 full-time equivalent jobs across the two nations.
  • Reinventing rural places: the extent and impact of festivals in rural and regional Australia, opens in a new tab, Gibson C, Stewart A, University of Wollongong,(2009). This Australian Research Council project examined festivals from 2005-2008 in rural and regional Australia through a database profile of festivals across three states (NSW, Victoria and Tasmania). Sport made up 36.5 % of festivals captured. Information was collected on job creation, volunteerism, marketing and advertising, environment and community. This research will assist those planning sporting events in rural and regional communities.
  • Economic impact study of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games: Post-event analysis, opens in a new tab, KPMG and the Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination, (2006). The total expenditure associated with the 2006 Games in Victoria was around $2.9 billion. In terms of the impact on the Victorian economy, using a Computable General Equilibrium modelling approach, the 2006 Games was estimated to result in an increase in Gross State Product of around $1.6 billion. The positive impact of the Games on the Victorian economy is derived from two major effects: (1) the external money input into the economy of Victoria through tourist visitation; and (2) the bringing forward of the activity associated with the facilities investment required to undertake the Games.

  • Brisbane Olympic Games 2032: Will the Olympics deliver a net benefit for the Australian community? , opens in a new tabRodney Bogaards, Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliamentary Library Australia, (29 March 2022). There are a number of reasons why the IOC’s ‘New Norm’ changes may not be sufficient to prevent future Games’ hosts exceeding their budgets. A recent research paper has put forward six additional steps for better Games management. These steps should be studied by any prospective host government that is yet to fully commit to hosting the Olympic Games.
  • Re-analysis, measurement and misperceptions of cost overruns at Olympic Games, opens in a new tab, Holger Preuss, International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, Volume 14(3), pp.381-400, (February 2022). The so-called ‘Oxford Study’ by Flyvbjerg et al shows Olympic cost overrun of 170-750% with a substantial risk of a further cost overrun above this range in the future. The aim of this paper is to re-analyse the results by using a method in accordance with the international convention of comparing across time and geographies. The dataset used has abundantly more governmental data than in the Oxford Study. The results of the Oxford Study for the period of 2000–2016 could not be replicated. It is argued why the statistical analysis and their data reliability are misleading, thus leading to a discovery of six typical misperceptions. In contrast to those authors, this paper shows cost overruns (Olympics 2000–2014) for direct non-OCOG investments in the range of 13–178%. Further, it shows that the costs of the Olympic Games represent less than 0.28% of the GDP; hence, it is clear that the Games cannot cause a severe national economic crisis. This paper provides a discussion on the underlying assumptions of the Oxford study, thus providing valuable insights for politicians who intend to submit an Olympic bid, and contextualises cost overruns caused by fixed deadlines and long planning horizons. I disagree with the claim by Flyvbjerg et al. that hosts give a blank cheque to the IOC and I contend that demands and a tight coupling are fixed in the Host City Contract, thus negating the blank cheque assertion.
  • Mega Sporting Events and Inward Foreign Direct Investment: An Investigation of the Differences Among the Types of Sporting Events and Host Countries, opens in a new tab, Kaveepong Lertwachara, Jittima Tongurai, Pattana Boonchoo, Journal of Sport Management, Volume 36(1), pp.9-24, (2022). Building on the location advantage theory for international business, the authors used the event study approach, used extensively in the finance literature, to examine the effects of hosting mega sporting events on inward foreign direct investment (FDI) in countries that hosted the Olympic Games, the International Federation of Association Football World Cup, the Union of European Football Associations Championship, and the Asian Games between 1960 and 2018. In general, the authors’ findings suggested that host countries experienced beneficial effects from hosting mega sporting events. Increases in FDI inflows were more pronounced following the hosting announcements and until the event year. Hosting the Summer Olympic Games, the Union of European Football Associations Championship, and the International Federation of Association Football World Cup all drew a high level of positive abnormal FDI, while hosting the Asian Games induced negative abnormal FDI. The effects of hosting mega sporting events on inward FDI were also found to differ between countries. For instance, host countries in the Middle East and North Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean appeared to benefit more from hosting a mega sporting event.
  • Assessing the Olympic Games: the economic impacts and beyond, opens in a new tab, Pasquale Lucio Scandizzo, Maria Rita Pierleoni, Journal of Economic Surveys, Volume 32(3), pp.649-682, (July 2018). The study reviews the main approaches to the economic assessment of the Games, from the point of view of the underlying economic concepts and methodologies, as well as of the empirical results obtained. It focuses on the effects that are measured and on those, which even though important, are generally neglected. The general findings appear to be controversial with some hints of positive overall effects, but also with a well-documented tendency to exaggerate the benefits and underestimate the costs of holding the Games in the ex ante versus the ex post studies. The survey finally suggests that ex post cross-country econometric studies tend to catch sizable differential and persistent benefits ignored by individual studies, especially on macroeconomic and trade variables.
  • Mega-sport events, micro and small business leveraging: introducing the 'MSE-MSB leverage model', opens in a new tab, Seth Kirby, Michael Duignan, David McGillivray, Event Management, Volume 22, pp.917-931, (2018). Micro and small business (MSB) interests legitimize mega-sport event (MSE) candidature bids. Yet, MSB interests can be sidelined in the event lead up, live staging, and legacy periods. This article provides a detailed: 1) review of MSE impacts on existing MSBs residing within targeted host communities, 2) conceptual and practical examination of MSE leveraging opportunities, 3) synthesis of good inclusionary practices identified in previous MSE case studies. As a result, a series of general and specific ways MSEs can foster MSB leveraging and legitimize local interests are suggested. We present a comprehensive analysis of key works since mid-1990s related to the themes identified above. Our analysis identifies that there is limited conceptual and empirical research on MSB impact and leveraging activities in the context of MSEs, yet significant evidence points to negative experiences, disruption, and displacement effects on residential (host) communities. We purposively focus on good practice in the context of other MSEs from the Olympics Games (e.g., London 2012, Rio 2016) and FIFA World Cup (e.g., South Africa, 2010) to inform recommendations and managerial implications. We outline a systematic series of ways MSBs can be structurally excluded from accessing MSE leveraging opportunities. Building on Chalip’s widely adopted event leverage model (ELM), we present the “MSE–MSB Leverage Model” to illustrate how MSEs can (re)position MSBs as legitimate stakeholders to support greater leveraging opportunities and better (re)distribute event benefits back into host communities across planning and delivery stages. These range from reconfiguring: 1) event planning principles and policies, 2) regulatory and trading environments, and 3) the development of MSB business-to-business networks and partnerships.
  • Economic legacy to cities of hosting major sports events: A case study of London 2012, opens in a new tab, Chris Gratton, Girish Ramchandani, Chapter 8 in Legacies and Mega Events, opens in a new tab, Routledge, (2017). This chapter provides a framework to identify the key elements that make up economic legacy and then goes on to use that framework to measure the direct economic benefits to London and the UK from hosting the summer Olympics in 2012. The final section deals with the indirect economic benefits that are generated as a result of the hosting of the Olympics, leading to an increase in sport participation which then generates other economic benefits following the event.
  • Bringing Home the Gold? A Review of the Economic Impact of Hosting Mega-Events, opens in a new tab, Barrios, D., Russell, S., Andrews, M., CID Working Paper No. 320, Harvard University, (July 2016). This article focuses on claims surrounding the direct or indirect mechanisms that facilitate the impact that ex-ante studies predict. We provide a review of these claims and their validity according to the existing literature.
  • Going for Gold: The Economics of the Olympics, opens in a new tab, Robert Baade, Victor Matheson, Journal of Economic Perspectives, Volume 30(2), pp.201-218, (Spring 2016). In this paper, we explore the costs and benefits of hosting the Olympic Games. On the cost side, there are three major categories: general infrastructure such as transportation and housing to accommodate athletes and fans; specific sports infrastructure required for competition venues; and operational costs, including general administration as well as the opening and closing ceremony and security. Three major categories of benefits also exist: the short-run benefits of tourist spending during the Games; the long-run benefits or the "Olympic legacy" which might include improvements in infrastructure and increased trade, foreign investment, or tourism after the Games; and intangible benefits such as the "feel-good effect" or civic pride.
  • Assessing the Olympics: Preliminary economic analysis of a Boston 2024 Games – Impacts, opportunities and risks, opens in a new tab, University of Massachusetts, Donahue Institute for Economic and Public Policy Research, (March 2015). This report neither suggests that holding the 2024 Olympic Games will be an economic success, nor does it predict economic disaster. Instead, it shows that staging an Olympics Games could be a net economic positive, but that success will depend upon smart budgeting and effective planning to avoid some of the huge cost overruns that have beset some Olympics host cities in the past.
  • The hidden benefits of non-elite mass participation sports events: An economic perspective, opens in a new tab, Coleman R, Ramchandani G, International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, Volume 12(1), (2010). This paper examines the hidden financial benefits that non-elite events are capable of delivering for host cities. The paper provides examples of how mass participation (and other non-elite) events can generate substantial economic impacts comparable to, and in some cases greater than, those associated with elite events. The cost-effectiveness of hosting mass participation events, relative to major elite sports events, is discussed.
  • The Sydney Olympics, seven years on: An ex-post dynamic CGE assessment, opens in a new tab, Giesecke J, Madden J, Centre of Policy Studies, Monash University, General Paper Number G-168, (2007). This analysis is based upon a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. This analysis found that the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games generated a net consumption loss of approximately $2.1 billion. The increase in foreign tourist spending lifted Australia’s terms of trade by only 0.09% in 2000-01. The sectors that gained most were those who sold goods, provided accommodation, services and transport to tourists.
  • Socio-economic impact of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, opens in a new tab, Haynes J, Centre d’Estudis Olimpics UAB, (2001). The total cost of staging the Olympic Games as announced by NSW Treasurer Michael Egan was $6.5 billion. Several projection reports on the economic impact of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games appeared before the Games, they estimated that over the period 1994-95 through 2005-06 the Sydney Games would generate a total of $6.5 billion in economic activity, a large part of this through increased tourism.

  • eventIMPACTS, opens in a new tab, (accessed 13 January 2023). Developed by a consortium of UK-based organisations that have an interest in staging or supporting major public events, the eventIMPACTS ToolKit is intended to provide organisers and supporters of public events with some key guidance and good practice principles for evaluating the Economic, Social, Environmental and Media related impacts associated with their event. Each area of impact has links to the available supporting documents, case studies and survey tools.

  • The Australian Trade and Investment Commission, opens in a new tab – Austrade – is Australia’s leading trade and investment agency. We are experts in connecting Australian businesses to the world and the world to Australian businesses.
    • Major Sporting Events overview, opens in a new tab, Austrade, (accessed 17 January 2023). Genuine opportunities for Australian expertise and capability exist across all stages of the 10 year major sporting event lifecycle which includes: bidding; planning; event staging services; operations/management; cultural/ceremonies and venue design/construction. Major sporting events are linked closely to government/public sector support and operations in host countries and it can be difficult for private enterprise to gain the trusted access that comes with being a Government agency. Australia is recognised internationally as a world-leader in major sporting event delivery. Over 140 Australian companies and major sporting event specialists have played pivotal roles shaping every major sporting event around the world since the Olympics in Sydney in 2000.
    • Australia's major sporting events (MSE) capabilities, opens in a new tab, Austrade, YouTube, (accessed 17 January 2023). Australia has a distinguished track record helping host nations create and stage the world's premier sporting events. Here are some of our stories.

Access to resources Where possible, direct links to full-text and online resources are provided. However, where links are not available, you may be able to access documents directly by searching our licenced full-text databases (note: user access restrictions apply). Alternatively, you can ask your institutional, university, or local library for assistance—or purchase documents directly from the publisher. You may also find the information you’re seeking by searching Google Scholar, opens in a new tab.

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