ABSTRACT
Event Tourism is closely associated with destination management and marketing, and with the use of events in a variety of development-oriented policy fields. In this chapter, we examine the potential roles events can play, especially within the economic domain, and how event tourism is developed and marketed. Attention is given to the nature of events as attractions, image makers, animators, and catalysts. The creation and management of event portfolios within a tourism context are highlighted, including a discussion of models and a presentation of examples. Lastly, the issues and methods associated with the economic impact assessment of events are discussed in detail, noting common errors and arguing for the use of only direct economic contribution.
