| Abstract: | Several methodological issues have emerged from the economic analysis of tourism attractions, including errors in sampling and analysis, misrepresentation of these issues, the application of a refinsed research methodology is described to measure the spatial distribution of visitor expenditures and economic impacts attributed to a stated tourism attraction. The 1995 Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF), considered the largest ballooning event in the world, was used as the focal attraction for this study. Direct, indirect, and induced economic effects based on the variables of output, income, and employment were examined using IMPLAN, an econometric model first developed by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Detailed analyses on multiplier effects, linkages, and leakeage attributed to the event are presented in the results and discussion sections. Discussion and recommendations based upon the study may provide a clearer picture of the consequences of methodological choices researchers make when assessing the economic impacts of staged tourism attractions. |
