Social impacts of events

Much research from the events literature has focused on the importance of using events to develop and/or regenerate spaces and places, build new destination images or brands, or expand corporate and business interests. Scholars extend these understandings by referring to tangible benefits and the impacts that events have on place economies, destination planning, and the subsequent growth of tourism. While it is important to address the role that events have on new or redeveloped facilities and infrastructures, and thus, expansions for, or new investments in, events, leisure, and tourism, scholars argue that within these avenues of research it is important to consider social and cultural impacts and the reactions of those who are ultimately, Äòimpacted, Äô by event planning, hosting, developments, and management decisions. Research that considers transitioning economic bases see planners and policy-makers directing decisions based on how to maintain a competitive advantage. Concerning events and social impacts, it is argued that planning needs to be enabling so that residents are not met with barriers that limit their involvement. Much research that concerns social impacts of events critically assesses understandings through resident and community perspectives.