This paper uses the context of the
Commonwealth in order to focus on a
specific dimension of tourism that is located
within it, that of the mega all-
Commonwealth event, the Commonwealth
Games, and its impact in tourism terms.
Sports events and tourism are closely linked
and it is abundantly clear that the tourism
potential of mega sporting events such as
the Commonwealth Games is a major factor
in encouraging cities to bid to host such
events. Such tourism potential relates to the
immediate attraction of the event to athletes
and officials associated with the event,
volunteers and paid employees who work at
the event and, in particular, international
and domestic visitors as games spectators
and participants. This paper sets the
Commonwealth Games in the wider context
of sports tourism and will address their
impact through consideration of the 2006
Commonwealth Games in Melbourne,
Australia.