What follows is a brief summary of the Tasks and related issues to be considered when conducting economic impact analysis of recreation events/facilities. These Tasks are discussed in more details in the Economic Impact "Complete Guide" and can be referenced by following the links.

TASK 2 Data Collection:

2.1 Data Collection Approach:

Finding adequate data can be a major obstacle. Poor data undermine the validity and accuracy of the analyses. Whether using existing data or collecting original data, the primary goal is the same: Develop some way to delineate incremental spending (event/facility related spending from other economic activity that would occur in absence of the event/facility). There are two basic approaches.

Demand Approach - Surveying to identify non-local participants and related persons who would not be in the area in absence of the event/facility, their numbers and spending levels (survey methods include: interviews, self-administered questionnaires, expenditure diaries, email/internet/mailed surveys, telephone surveys. etc.

Supply Approach - Collect data from firms/agencies/organization that are receiving visitor expenditures. Response rates are often a problem here, as is the ability to delineate resident/non-resident expenditures.

Ideally use both demand and supply methods to cross reference data accuracy but previous efforts have shown the demand side to be more effective.

2.2 Data Collection Instrument(s):

1. Data collection tools include (interviews/mail/telephone, etc.)
2. Identify purpose of trip. Breakdown expenditure by type: accommodation/restaurant meals and beverages, etc.
3. Geographical location of expenditures (inside/outside study area).
4. Breakdown visitors by type: participant/accompanying participant/spectator, use/not use accommodations, type of accommodations, length of stay, etc.
5. Identify the party for whom the expenditures refer (single person respondent/those traveling/staying together, etc.
   

2.3 Data Collection Strategy:

1. Accurate estimates or counts of the number of participants/spectators, etc. and the proportions that are from outside the study area are critical.
2. Collecting valid/accurate information through sampling requires careful planning, including determination of appropriate sample size and obtaining an unbiased sample. Without careful planning, information obtained through sampling may be of little use.
3. Sampling issues include sufficient sample size, sample selection (who/where/when), sampling method (random/segmented).