Fourth International Conference on Tourism and Leisure Studies

Abstract

Tourism has been shown as a viable option for uplifting communities. However, not all communities have significant tourist attractions or are as easily accessible as larger, more developed cities. This isolation makes tourism benefits more difficult to achieve. This study aimed to determine to what extent an annual international sporting event, the Fauresmith 200 International Endurance Ride, can be an attraction in a small, mostly isolated community and can benefit residents, as well as the extent to which the event contributes to the community over time. Using quantitative, convenience sampling (questionnaires), four social impact perception factors during the event were revealed, as well as four social impact perceptions factors among residents of the event over time. Residents were found to perceive benefits both during the event and over time. Recommendations are made regarding the management of the event and the development of future sports events in the town.