Analysis of the Socio-Economic Impact of Small and Medium-sized Sports Events: the Case Study of the National University Championships 2022 in Cassino, Italy

Small and medium-sized sports events and their socio-economic implications for host communities remain mainly unexplored in academic research, despite their increasing significance for local development. Unlike mega-events, which receive substantial scholarly attention, smaller events frequently lack rigorous impact assessments, despite stimulating economic activity, cultivating community engagement, and enhancing the regional identity of host locations. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the economic and social repercussions of the 2022 Italian National University Championships (CNU) in Cassino, Italy, a medium-scale sports event that attracted athletes, spectators, and stakeholders from a diverse array of regions. Through a systematic literature review, a theoretical framework was developed, emphasising critical indicators, such as event tourism, expenditure patterns, return on investment (ROI), and social impact metrics. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, which combines qualitative evaluations of community perceptions with quantitative economic assessments based on direct expenditure analysis and multiplier effects. Statistical analysis and questionnaires were used to collect data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the long-term and short-term effects of the event. The local economy experienced substantial economic benefits as a result of the CNU 2022, particularly in the hospitality, culinary service, and retail sectors, according to the findings. Additionally, the event promoted the growth of social capital among residents and participants, fortified the local identity, and heightened community involvement. However, they also identified challenges such as infrastructure constraints and sustainability concerns, offering valuable insights for future event planning. This research underscores the importance of small and medium-sized sports events as catalysts for local development and offers policymakers and event organizers practical recommendations for improving their socio-economic impact. To enhance the generalizability of these findings, future research should conduct supplementary longitudinal and comparative analyses of a variety of case studies.