As part of the evaluation of hosting the 53rd CARIFTA Track & Field Championships 2026, an Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) Survey was conducted during the games.
The initiative was designed to measure the full economic, social, and tourism-related benefits of the prestigious regional sporting event.
The survey was conducted through a collaboration involving the Macroeconomic Policy Unit of the Ministry of Finance, the Grenada National Sports Council (GNSC), and the National Organising Committee (NOC) for CARIFTA 2026.
This initiative underscores the Government of Grenada’s commitment to evidence-based planning and accountability, particularly in delivering the guarantees associated with hosting the Championships.
The primary objective of the Economic Impact Assessment Survey is to quantify and analyse the direct and indirect economic effects of hosting CARIFTA 2026 in Grenada. This includes measuring expenditure related to visitors, teams, officials, media, and spectators, as well as assessing broader impacts on employment, business activity, and national revenue generation.
According to Aaron Moses, Chairperson of the National Organising Committee for CARIFTA 2026, the findings will support national and sectoral planning efforts, particularly in the areas of sport, tourism, transport, and hospitality. He noted that the results will also inform policy formulation, fiscal decision-making, and future bids to host international sporting events.
The assessment, which is ongoing, will provide valuable benchmarks for comparing the economic outcomes of major sporting events hosted in Grenada over time.
To ensure a comprehensive assessment, data were collected from a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including:
- Visitors and spectators
- Local and international athletes
- Team officials and accredited delegates participating in CARIFTA 2026
- Hotels, guest houses, and other accommodation providers
- Restaurants, vendors, and small businesses
- Transport operators and service providers
- Event volunteers and temporary workers
By surveying these groups, organisers aim to generate a clear picture of spending patterns, service utilisation, and the flow of economic benefits across multiple sectors of the economy.
Moses encourages all participants to contribute honestly and fully to the survey process, emphasising that public cooperation is essential to accurately capturing the true impact of hosting CARIFTA 2026.
GNSC
