Idea：举办大型体育运动会，如奥林匹克运动会能促进政府在交通、基础设施上的投资，外国游客的涌入可促进本地经济发展，创造就业机会；另一方面，举办奥运会花费巨大，造成浪费。

    Economic Benefits of the Olympics

    1. Encourages Investment in Transport and Infrastructure.

    Major sporting events usually require upgrades to transport and communication links. This investment leaves a lasting legacy for the whole economy. Better transport links reduce congestion and help to improve efficiency for local business. It can help increase the productive capacity of the economy (shifting aggregate supply to the right). For example, for the London Olympics in 2012 we have seen new rail links created in East London, and improvements to existing underground and overground train services (London Olympic rail networks)

    2. Influx of Foreign Visitors.

    A major sporting event like the Olympics can attract 10,000s of people for the duration of the games. These foreign tourists bring a boost to the local economy. In particular the local tourist trade, shops / hotels will benefit from the surge in visitor numbers. However, it is worth noting that these visitor numbers tend to be temporary. The major sporting event only lasts for a few weeks; potentially there could be many empty hotel beds in the future. On the other hand people argue a major sporting event can lead to a long term growth in visitor numbers. e.g. China felt the Beijing Olympics created a feeling that China could be a popular tourist destination. Barcelona saw higher visitor numbers continue after the Barcelona Olympics of 1992.

    3. Job Creation

    Typically, major sporting events require investment in building stadium and hotels. This creates jobs for the local economy for up to 4 years before the event. These extra jobs help create a positive multiplier effect amongst the local economy. It is hoped that the London Olympics will help regenerate the east end of London. Some argue this temporary job boost can prove more permanent, if the economic regeneration continues after the games.

    4. Higher Economic Growth

    It is estimated that the ‘Olympics Effect’ leads to a boost in economic growth due to the higher investment and foreign visitors. This leads to higher tax revenues for the government

    Costs of Events like the Olympics

    1. Expense

    The cost of hosting a major sporting event has increased significantly in recent years. It includes, not only, all the investment but also the heightened security. It is hard to meet these costs through sponsorship and ticket sales alone. Therefore, it can lead to higher taxes for the local population.

    2. Will the infrastructure be used in the future?

    The Olympics requires a lot of investment, which may not necessarily be used in the future. Many custom built sporting events may not be used in the future.

    3. Disruption during the event

    It is feared that during the Olympics there will be a disruption to local businesses not effected. For example increased security features make it more difficult to continue normal business.