| By: |
Robert Baade (Department of Economics and Business, Lake Forest College);
Robert Baumann (Department of Economics, College of the Holy Cross);
Victor Matheson (Department of Economics, College of the Holy Cross) |
| Abstract: |
This paper provides an empirical examination of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games
in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our analysis of taxable sales in the counties in
which Olympic events took place finds that some sectors such as hotels and
restaurants prospered while other retailers such as general merchandisers and
department stores suffered. Overall the gains in the hospitality industry are
lower than the losses experienced by other sectors in the economy. Given the
experience of Utah, potential Olympic hosts should exercise caution before
proceeding down the slippery slope of bidding for this event. |
| Keywords: |
Olympics, impact analysis, mega-event, tourism, sports |
| JEL: |
O18 R53 L83 |
| Date: |
2008–11 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:spe:wpaper:0829&r=spo |