Using a comprehensive approach to measure short-term effects and legacy of sporting events: the case of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy

- Research question: This paper aims to evaluate the interest of adopting a comprehensive approach to study sporting event impacts. - Research methods: The study case is the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. Measurement of the economic impact is based on the Wilson multiplier. The calculation of social benefits relies on a typical cost–benefit analysis, through the Clawson–Knetsch Travel cost and the Contingent valuation methods, completed by a qualitative work. The analysis of the environmental impact and the long-term legacy is more descriptive and relies on miscellaneous indicators. - Results and Findings: The economic impact is significant for the region and reaches 125% of the organizational budget. Social benefits resulting from spectators and local inhabitants exceed the amount invested by the public sector. Negative environmental effects had been partly reduced because of accompanying measures, illustrating their importance. In the long term, an heritage for the equestrian sector, and to a lesser extent for the tourism sector, is underlined. - Implications: This study shows the interest to consider the event impacts globally. To this end, methodologies deeply rooted in the literature can be used for economic and social effects but new approaches and methodologies need to be developed for environmental impacts and legacy.