This guide is for everyone involved in the planning and development of events within a particular area.

The Tourism Innovation Group in partnership with EventScotland have recognised that although large scale events will almost certainly undertake an economic impact assessment afterwards, there is much to be gained by an increased awareness of how to maximise this impact before the event happens, at the planning and development stages.  In Scotland there are some excellent examples of how particular areas have done this right, maximising the full economic potential that an event, large or small, can bring to a local area.

It is how visitors are made to feel really welcome and involved in the event, that needs to be better understood; how they have given visitors an authentic experience of the area and of Scotland, while at the same time extracting best value from them; sending them home with fantastic memories of a great time to recommend Scotland to their friends and relatives.

It isn’t only the larger events that can maximise the economic benefit to an area.  Smaller events, if well planned, can often have a greater cumulative effect on an area.  This is particularly true if there is an ongoing legacy planned.  Some smaller events are so integrated within an area that its loss would be on a similar economic scale to losing a large local business.

This guide gathers together best practice examples, from the Tour of Britain in Dumfries and Galloway and the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running as well as a range of other arts and sporting events.  It also shares observations and insights from a group of industry professionals who are involved in event planning and delivery across Scotland.

Please click here to download a copy of the guide