| Abstract: |
This paper develops a model of the determinants of visitor expenditure at a
one day repeated major sporting event in Edinburgh, Scotland. An econometric
model is developed that combines both macroeconomic data and socio-economic
information derived from over 1,000 visitor interviews. This allows us to
control for individual characteristics and estimate the derived elasticities
for the macroeconomic determinants of expenditure. The findings suggest that
socio-economic characteristics of individuals may be more significant than
macroeconomic indicators in explaining variations in visitor expenditure.
Among individual characteristics, the region of origin, length of stay, type
of accommodation, type of expenditure and personal income are associated with
the level of per capita visitor expenditure. This should assist regional
policy formulation in attracting higher spending visitors and thereby
maximising the income and employment benefits from sporting events and other
areas of tourism. |