The Economic Impact of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games

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In this paper, we will be discussing the economic impact study on 2010 Arctic Winter Games conducted by Econometric Research Limited by using the Sports application of Sports Impact Model Alberta (SIMA) developed by themselves. Further, we will explain about how it has been conducted and the key findings and conclusions of the study along with my recommendations.

The economic impact study on 2010 Arctic Winter Games was conducted by Econometric Research Limited. The study has been conducted by using the Sports application of Sports Impact Model Alberta (SIMA). This model helps in capturing the economic impact of sports related expenditures at the economic regions and in the province level. Location theory and Input-Output analysis can be integrated with the help of new technology used in this model (Downward, Dawson & Dejonghe, 2009). Statistics Canada publishes the economic and technical databases, which can be used in this model. The input data, used in this study, reflects the incremental expenditures of games and their visitors (Event Analysis and Economic Impact Study, 2010).

2008 financial data is provided by Statistics Canada, the Travel Survey of Residents of Canada and the International Travel Survey in this study. Online purchase of tickets helped to track the geographic identity of the buyer, but walk up ticket sales disabled to track the identity of the purchaser. The online ticket purchasers belong to Alberta residents excluding Grade Prairie residents, Canadian residents excluding Alberta residents, Alberta residents including Grade Prairie residents, USA residents and International residents excluding USA residents. The event lasted for 7 days. The assumption made that 40% spectators were from Grande Prairie and the near by area in the study, did not stay overnight. Athlete costs, volunteer expenditures, and capital expenditures are not included in the study (Event Analysis and Economic Impact Study 2010).

Separate estimation of economic impacts of incremental tourism and operational expenditures is done in this study for the identification of the total impacts of the Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie on the provincial, local and national economies. It was found from the study that approximately $1.25 million is spent by visitors on food, travel and accommodation, in Grande Prairie in 2010. The expenditure done on the operations by the organizers was about $6.41 million to sustain the games. The overall economic impact of the above mentioned expenditures were projected to have exceeded $10.8 million in Alberta of which, Grande Prairie accounts for $7.29 million.

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