Event tourism: Definition, evolution, and research Donald Getz

Abstract

=This article reviews ‘event tourism’ as both professional practice and a field of academic study. The
origins and evolution of research on event tourism are pinpointed through both chronological and
thematic literature reviews. A conceptual model of the core phenomenon and key themes in event
tourism studies is provided as a framework for spurring theoretical advancement, identifying research
gaps, and assisting professional practice. Conclusions are in two parts: a discussion of implications for
the practice of event management and tourism, and implications are drawn for advancing theory in
event tourism.

Introduction Events are an important motivator of tourism, and figure prominently in the development
and marketing plans of most destinations. The roles and impacts of planned events within tourism have
been well documented, and are of increasing importance for destination competitiveness. Yet it was
only a few decades ago that ‘event tourism’ became established in both the tourism industry and in the
research community, so that subsequent growth of this sector can only be described as spectacular.
Equally, ‘event management’ is a fast growing professional field in which tourists constitute a potential
market for planned events and the tourism industry has become a vital stakeholder in their success and
attractiveness. But not all events need to be tourism oriented, and some fear the potential negative
impacts associated with adopting marketing orientation. As well, events have other important roles to
play, from community-building to urban renewal, cultural development to fostering national identities—
tourism is not the only partner or proponent. In this paper the nature, evolution and future
development of ‘event tourism’ are discussed, pertaining to both theory and professional practice.
Emphasis is placed on research and publication trends, and on a critical evaluation of knowledge
creation, theory building, and future directions. The perspective taken is primarily that of destinations
and the tourism industry, although other viewpoints are discussed. Five main sections are subsequently
presented. The first is entitled The Event Perspective; it starts with a typology of what constitutes the
‘planned events’ sector (Fig. 1). ‘Event management’ as a profession is defined, and ‘event studies’ is
discussed as an emerging academic field. In the second section, The Tourism Perspective, ‘event
tourism’ is defined from both a demand and supply perspective, then its goals are examined. Fig. 2 is
presented to illustrate the interrelationships between events and tourism. A number of event tourism
career paths are identified (Fig. 3), then within a discussion of the destination perspective an event
portfolio model is examined (Fig. 4). This strategic approach can help shape evaluation, planning, and
policy for events. Event Tourism in the Research Literature constitutes the third section, with the review
first presented chronologically, showing the origins and evolution of event tourism within the context of
both tourism and event management. A thematic approach is then taken to review the three general
types of event (i.e., business, sport, festivals) that have attracted the most attention from researchers
and practitioners. Also covered in more detail are the ‘mega’ events that have generated their own
research lines. Section four, entitled A Framework for Knowledge Creation and Theory Development in
Event Tourism, is shaped by a model (Fig. 5) of the event tourism system. The core phenomenon (event
experiences and meanings) is discussed first, then antecedents and choices (including motivation
research), planning and managing event tourism, patterns and processes (including spatial, temporal,
policy making and knowledge creation), outcomes and the impacted. Figs. 6–10 provide a set of key
research questions and possible research methods for each of these elements of the event tourism
system, together constituting a research agenda. Conclusions are in two parts, the first being a
discussion of implications for the practice of event management and tourism. Finally, implications are
drawn for advancing theory in event tourism, and this includes a short note on the event-tourism
discourse that has been dominated by the tourism and economic perspectives. 2. The event perspective
Planned events are spatial–temporal phenomenon, and each is unique because of interactions among
the setting, people, and management systems—including design elements and the program. Much of
the appeal of events is that they are never the same, and you have to ‘be there’ to enjoy the unique
experience fully; if you miss it, it’s a lost opportunity. In addition, ‘virtual events’, communicated
through various media, also offer something of interest and value to consumers and the tourism
industry; they are different kinds of event experiences. Planned events are all created for a purpose, and
what was once the realm of individual and community initiatives has largely become the realm of
professionals and entrepreneurs. The reasons are obvious: events are too important, satisfying
numerous strategic goals—and often too risky—to be left to amateurs. Event management is the
applied field of study and area of professional practice devoted to the design, production and
management of planned events, encompassing festivals and other celebrations, entertainment,
recreation, political and state, scientific, sport and arts events, those in the domain of business and
corporate affairs (including meetings, conventions, fairs, and exhibitions), and those in the private
domain (including rites of passage such as weddings and parties, and social events for affinity groups).
Fig. 1 provides a typology of the main categories of planned events based primarily on their form—that
is, obvious differences in their purpose and program. Some are for public celebration (this category
includes so-called ‘community festivals’ which typically contain a large variety in their programming and
aim to foster civic pride and cohesion), while others are planned for purposes of competition, fun,
entertainment, business or socializing. Often they require special-purpose facilities, and the managers of
those facilities (like convention centers and sport arenas) target specific types of events. Professional
associations and career paths have traditionally been linked to these event types. 2.1. Event
management as a profession A quick look at the main event-related professional associations reveals
them to be very well established, but also divided on the basis of event form. In 1885, the International
Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) began with a half dozen fairs, while the International
Association for Exhibition Management was organized in 1928 as the National Association of Exposition
Managers to represent the interests of tradeshow and exposition managers. The International Festivals
and ARTICLE IN PRESS CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS -festivals -carnivals -commemorations -religious events
POLITICAL AND STATE -summits -royal occasions -political events -VIP visits ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
-concerts -award ceremonies BUSINES AND TRADE -meetings, conventions -consumer and trade shows -
fairs, markets EDUCATIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC -conferences -seminars -clinics SPORT COMPETITION -
amateur/professional -specator/particpant RECREATIONAL -sport or games for fun PRIVATE EVENTS -
weddings -parties –socials Events Association celebrated its 50th year in 2005, and its orientation
appeals to community festivals and other celebrations. Established in 1972, Meeting Professionals
International (MPI) is the (self-proclaimed) leading global community committed to shaping and defining
the future of the meeting and event industry. The International Special Events Society (ISES) was
founded in 1987 and embraces both event designers/producers and their numerous suppliers. As well,
there are associations for carnivals, and many arts and sports-specific associations that deal with events,
and they organize at local, national and international levels. It will be difficult to change this well-
established pattern of professionalization, that is to evolve from specializations based on the form of
event (such as ‘festival manager’, ‘exhibition designer’, or ‘convention planner’) to a generic ‘event
management’ profession. No doubt the professional associations will continue to compete for members
and prestige, although there are signs that some of the associations have been broadening their scope
and appeal. The evolution towards generic event management will also be facilitated by educational
institutions offering professional event management degrees, and by employers who will increasingly
want adaptable professionals. Historically, there were few if any academic programs in event
management prior to the 1990s. Since then the literature on events has exploded, accompanying a
global move to establish diploma and degree programs. There are a growing number of Masters
programs in event management, and numerous individual courses offered in tourism, leisure, sport and
hospitality programs. In the United Kingdom, the Association for Events Management Education (AEME)
was established in 2004 ‘‘yin order to support and raise the profile of the events discipline through the
sharing of education and best practice’’ (www.aeme.co.uk). Several research journals are devoted to
this field, starting with Festival Management and Event Tourism in 1993, later renamed Event
Management. Convention and Exhibition Management was recently renamed Convention and Event
Tourism, and an online journal of Event Management research has been established. The World Journal
of Managing Events is the latest addition. 2.2. Event studies New academic fields such as tourism, leisure
or hospitality studies generally arise from professional practice that justifies courses or degree programs
at universities and colleges. When a critical mass of students, programs, and teachers is reached,
research and publications in research journals follow. The academics who teach, do research and publish
within the emerging field typically need to elevate the status of their work from that of purely applied to
something more theoretical and at the same time academically credible. This describes the evolution of
tourism management with tourism studies, and recreation management with leisure studies, so we can
similarly justify the relationships between ‘event management’ and ‘event studies’. The study of events
has long existed within several disciplines, manifested in research and theory development on (for
example) the anthropology, geography or economics of events, but the term ‘event studies’ appears to
have been coined in 2000, and then only in passing in Getz’s speech in the Events Beyond 2000 (Sydney)
conference. In a 2002 article in Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management Getz explicitly discussed
event studies and event management, questioning their possible status as disciplines or fields (Getz,
1998, 1999, 2002). Event studies was an unnecessary and perhaps irrelevant idea until academics doing
event-related teaching and research had published a critical mass of papers and books, met at event-
specific research conferences, established event-specific journals, and generated sufficient interest in
theory. In terms of events-related education the majority of programs appear to be at either the
practical, hands-on level (encompassing ‘event design’) or those with emphasis on applying
management theory and methods to events and event-producing organizations. Event tourism is
generally covered within tourism degree programs as a topic or a single course. 3. The tourism
perspective The term ‘event(s) tourism’ was not widely used, if at all, prior to 1987 when The New
Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department (1987) reported: ‘‘Event tourism is an important and rapidly
growing segment of international tourismy’’. An article by Getz in 1989 in Tourism Management
(‘Special Events: Defining the Product’) developed a framework for planning ‘events tourism’. Prior to
this it was normal to speak of special events, hallmark events, mega events and specific types of events.
Now ‘event tourism’ is generally recognized as being inclusive of all planned events in an integrated
approach to development and marketing. As with all forms of special-interest travel, event tourism must
be viewed from both demand and supply sides. A consumer perspective requires determining who
travels for events and why, and also who attends events while traveling. We also want to know what
‘event tourists’ do and spend. Included in this demand-side approach is assessment of the value of
events in promoting a positive destination image, place marketing in general, and cobranding with
destinations. On the supply side, destinations develop, facilitate and promote events of all kinds to meet
multiple goals: to attract tourists (especially in the off-peak seasons), serve as a catalyst (for urban
renewal, and for increasing the infrastructure and tourism capacity of the destination), to foster a
positive destination image and contribute to general place marketing (including contributions to
fostering a better place in which to live, work and invest), and to animate specific attractions or areas.
There is no real justification for considering event tourism as a separate field of studies. The constraint is
that both tourism and event studies are necessary to understand this kind of experience. As well, there
are subareas like sport and cultural tourism (in which intrinsic motivations prevail) and business travel
(mostly extrinsically motivated) that also focus on the event tourism experience. In a similar vein, Deery,
Jago, and Fredline (2004) asked if sport tourism and event tourism are the same thing. Their
conceptualization showed sport tourism as being at the nexus of event tourism and sport, with both
sport tourism and event tourism being sub-sets of tourism in general. Indeed, there is almost limitless
potential for sub-dividing tourism studies and management in this manner. Fig. 2 depicts the set of
interrelationships occurring at the nexus of tourism and event studies, consisting of both the marketing
of events to tourists and the development and marketing of events for tourism and economic
development purposes. Event tourism is not usually recognized as a separate professional field. Mostly
it is seen as an application of, or specialty within national tourism offices (NTOs) and destination
marketing/management organizations (DMOs). Event development agencies (as opposed to agencies
focused on protocol, arts and culture which also deal with planned events) embody event tourism
completely, and there are a growing number of associated career paths or technical jobs, as illustrated
in Fig. 3. And there is a growing body of research and practical literature devoted to most of these
functions—as revealed in the ensuing literature review. 3.1. The destination perspective on event
tourism From the tourism industry’s perspective, typically through the eyes of a DMO or event
development agency, events are highly valued as attractions, catalysts, animators, place marketers, and
image-makers. The specific role of a DMO is generally to promote tourism to a destination, both
business and leisure travel. Conventions are considered business travel and participation sport events or
festivals are part of leisure travel. In a study of Canadian visitor and convention bureaus (Getz,
Anderson, & Sheehan, 1998), events were revealed to be one of the few areas of product development
engaged in by DMOs; typically their membership (often dominated by commercial accommodation
operators and attractions) want visitor demand all year round. Existing events might be viewed as
resources to exploit, which can be problematic from a social and cultural perspective. Taking a
comprehensive portfolio approach ARTICLE IN PRESS Event Tourism -a market for event managers -
destination development through events TOURISM MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM STUDIES -Developing
and promoting tourism -Understanding travel and tourists, including event tourists EVENT
MANAGEMENT AND EVENT STUDIES -Design, production, and management of events -Understanding
planned event experiences and the meanings attached Fig. 2. Event tourism at the nexus of tourism and
event studies. EVENT TOURISM CAREER PATHS TASKS; AREAS OF EXPERTISE Event
Facilitator/Coordinator -work with events in the destination to help realize their tourism potential
(funding, advice, marketing) -liaison with convention/exhibition centres and other venues -liaison with
sport and other organizations that produce events Tourism Event Producer -create and produce events
specifically for their tourism value -stakeholder management (with numerous event partners) Event
Tourism Planner -develop a strategy for the destination -integrate events with product development and
image making/branding Event Tourism Policy Analyst and Researcher -work with policy makers to
facilitate event tourism -conduct research (e.g., feasibility studies, demand forecasting, impact
assessments and performance evaluations) Event Bidding -bid on events -develop relationships leading
to winning events for the destination Event Services -provide essential and special services to events
(e.g., travel and logistics; accommodation and venue bookings; supplier contacts) leads to greater
emphasis on creating new events and attracting them through competitive bidding. The portfolio
approach (see Fig. 4) is similar to how a company strategically evaluates and develops its line of
products and services. It is goal-driven, and value-based. Destinations must decide what they want from
events (the benefits), and how they will measure their value. In this destination context economic values
have always prevailed, and this preoccupation might very well constitute a limitation on the
sustainability of events. Stakeholders, encompassing the organizations that produce events, the
community at large, and the beneficiaries of event tourism in the service sector, are likely to stress
different aims and concerns. Within the jargon of event tourism, and figuring prominently in the
illustrated portfolio model, two terms stand out. ‘Mega events’ have long been defined and analyzed in
terms of their tourist attractiveness and related image-making or developmental roles. Indeed, this was
the subject of an AIEST conference in 1987. The perceived successes of mega events, including the
Brisbane World’s Fair and America’s Cup Defense in Perth, Australia, definitely spurred creation of event
development agencies, research, and event management programs of study in that country, helping
position Australia as a world leader. A similar consequence of staging major events has been observed in
other countries as well, including New Zealand (Gnoth & Anwar, 2000). The other notable term is
‘hallmark event’ which has various meanings. Ritchie (1984, p. 2) published the first general discussion
of their impacts and referred to them as ‘‘Major one-time or recurring events of limited duration,
developed primarily to enhance the awareness, appeal and profitability of a tourism destinationy’’. Getz
(2005, p. 16) used the term in a manner more specifically tied to imagemaking, place marketing and
destination branding: ‘‘y‘hallmark’ describes an event that possesses such significance, in terms of
tradition, attractiveness, quality, or publicity, that the event provides the host venue, community, or
destination with a competitive advantage. Over time, the event and destination can become inextricably
linked, such as Mardi Gras and New Orleans.’’ ‘Local’ and ‘regional’ events, occupying the base levels of
the portfolio pyramid, are problematic from a tourism perspective. Some of them have tourism potential
that can be developed, requiring investment, and some are not interested in tourism—perhaps even
feeling threatened by it. If local events are primarily community or culturally oriented there is a good
argument to be made for not exploiting them. Certainly the issue of preserving cultural authenticity and
local control emerges whenever tourism goals are attached to local and regional events. When
contemplating generic event development strategies, some destinations appear to over-emphasize
mega events to the detriment of a more balanced portfolio, while others pursue the promotion of one
or more events as destination hallmarks to signify both quality and other brand values. A related
strategy is to deliberately seek to elevate existing events into those with hallmark status, a process that
can be said to ‘institutionalize’ events. A more recent trend is for DMOs and event development
agencies to create and produce their own major events as part of a sophisticated branding strategy.
Note that the typology of events in the portfolio model is based on functionality, that is the degree to
which certain economic, tourism or political goals can be met through hosting and marketing events. As
such it represents a discourse dominated by specific developmental and political assumptions that might
run counter to an events strategy based on fostering community development, culture, sport, leisure,
health or other aims. Furthermore, it is also possible to classify events on the basis of their place
attachment, being the degree to which they are associated with, or institutionalized in a particular
community or destination. Mega events are typically global in their orientation and require a
competitive bid to ‘win’ them as a one-time event for a particular place. By contrast, ‘hallmark events’
cannot exist independently of their host community, and ‘local’ or ‘regional’ events are by definition
rooted in one place and appeal mostly to residents. The event development agencies that exist in every
state in Australia seem to represent the state of the art in event tourism. For example, EventsCorp
Western Australia and Queensland Events Corp, have strategies, policies and programs for attracting,
bidding, developing and assisting events primarily to foster tourism. Getz (1997, 2005) profiled the
Queensland agency, while Getz and Fairley (2004) examined media management issues surrounding the
state agency’s two major ‘owned’ events in Gold Coast. As an example of Event Tourism developed for
strategic purposes, note the mission of The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance which seeks to ‘‘yincrease
Canadian capacity and competitiveness to attract and host sport events’’
(www.canadiansporttourism.com). While there are social and sport-specific reasons for hosting these
events, the tourism driver is obviously paramount because most Canadian sport tourism agencies or
personnel are located within city DMOs. A substantial part of the Event Tourism business of DMOs and
event development agencies is bidding on events that have owners. This process has been described as
a special-purpose marketplace by Getz (2004b) who studied the event bidding goals, methods and
attributed success factors of Canadian DMOs. Bidding has also been studied by Emery (2001), Persson
(2002), and Westerbeek, Turner, and Ingerson (2002).

Gnoth and Anwar (2000) examined New Zealand’s Event Tourism initiatives and offered a framework for
developing an effective strategy. Although it is obvious that resources have to be committed, perhaps a
more important issue was determining how to measure the country’s return on investment and to
coordinate the various stakeholders necessary to become competitive. Getz (2003) provided specific
advice on planning and developing sport event tourism, including a case study from Seminole County,
Florida, to illustrate supply, demand and process issues. The book Sport Tourism Destinations (Higham,
2005) is an excellent source of practical planning and marketing advice. To be most effective, the DMO
or event agency has to establish relationships with the event sector and individual events, hence a
network approach is useful. Whitford’s (2004a, 2004b) research in Australia documented the
development of event tourism policies and programs, particularly as a tool in regional development. In
one region she found the policies did not give much recognition to the roles of events in fostering
regional growth, but they were largely socio-cultural in nature. This revealed a gap between local
authority policies and those of states and the nation that aggressively pursued event tourism for its
economic benefits. Stokes (2004) studied the Australian event development agencies from the
perspective of stakeholder networks, collaboration, and strategy making, and specifically looked at the
relevance of the concept of knowledge networks. Her analysis revealed the dominance of a corporate
orientation in which event-related strategy and decisions were made at the state level. A ‘soft’ or
informal network of stakeholders existed, dominated by a core of influential governmental agencies
which varied depending on whether the agency was engaged in event bidding, development or
marketing. This approach contrasted with the community orientation found at the regional-authority
level, where more formal networking occurred between public agencies and private organizations for
the purpose of actually producing events. 3.2. An event-centric perspective on event tourism Many
planned events are produced with little or no thought given to their tourism appeal or potential.
Sometimes this is due to the organizers’ specific aims, and sometimes there is simply no relationship
established between events and tourism. In Calgary, case study research (Getz, Andersson, & Larson,
2007) found that seven festivals were basically ignored by the DMO that had limited or no interest in
their tourism potential. This situation had evidently arisen because of the absence of both a tourism
plan and a comprehensive events policy. As well, it appeared that the long-standing promotion of one
hallmark event, the annual Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, results in small festivals being perceived as
insignificant, overshadowed in the media, and somewhat deprived of sponsorship—according to the
festival managers. On the other hand, Calgary has been aggressively pursuing events under a sport
tourism strategy, facilitated greatly by a new staff position within the DMO called Manager, Sports and
Major Events. This initiative has generated both an increase in bidding on sport and other events and
higher profile for the city that results in better relationships with event owners and requests to host
events in the city. Festivals and events desiring the support or cooperation of tourism agencies, or
simply looking for increase respect, tend to conduct tourism and economic impact studies to ‘prove’
their value in economic terms. Their strategy might be to first become a tourist attraction, then use that
positioning to gain legitimacy or foster growth. In the context of stakeholder and resource dependency
theory, events must secure tangible resources and political support to become sustainable, giving up a
degree of independence in the process.

,,,

Most texts on event management do not cover tourism in any detail, although numerous research
articles published in the event-specific journals focus on Event Tourism, mostly its marketing or
economic impacts. General event management texts include those by Tassiopoulos (2000), Shone and
Parry (2001), Allen, O’Toole, McDonnell, and Harris (2002), Goldblatt (2007), Silvers (2004), Van der
Wagen (2004), Getz (2005), and Bowdin, Allen, O’Toole, Harris, and McDonnell (2006). A number of
books are devoted to managing specific types of events, including those by Morrow (1997) on
exhibitions (trade and consumer show), Rogers (2003) on conventions, Supovitz and Goldblatt (2004) on
sports events. Regarding event management functions, the following specialty books are available:
event design (Berridge, 2006); marketing and communications (Hoyle, 2002; Masterman & Wood, 2006);
project planning (O’Toole & Mikolaitis, 2002); operations (Tum, Norton, & Wright, 2006); risk
management (Berlonghi, 1990; Tarlow, 2002); human resources (Van der Wagen, 2006); evaluation and
impact assessment (Jago & Dwyer, 2006; Mossberg, 2000a); and sponsorship (Skinner & Rukavina,
2003). The text by Getz (2005) is the only one to combine event management and event tourism.
Several books are available on specific types of events and tourism, and these are mentioned later. 4.
Event tourism in the research literature The ensuing literature review aims to be systematically
comprehensive and critical, leading to identification of theoretical and research themes and gaps. First a
chronological review is provided, showing how this sub-field originated and evolved. Then a thematic
review is undertaken, looking specifically at types of events and ‘megaevents’. Of necessity, this review
covers both event management and event tourism, mainly because the overlaps are considerable, and
also owing to the fact that there are no separate event-tourism periodicals. Together with the books
cited in this article, earlier literature reviews have been consulted. These include reviews of research in
the event management field by Formica (1998), Getz (2000b), and Harris, Jago, Allen, and Huyskens
(2001). Hede, Jago, and Deery (2002, 2003) reviewed special events research for the period of 1990–
2002. Also, Sherwood’s doctoral dissertation (2007) entailed a large-scale review of pertinent literature
and specifically examined 85 event economic impact studies prepared in Australia. 4.1. A chronological
review of the event tourism literature 4.1.1. The early years As confirmed by Formica (1998) there were
few articles related to events management or tourism published in the 1970s—he found a total of four
in Annals of Tourism Research and Journal of Travel Research. Events were not yet ‘attractions’ within
the tourism system of Gunn’s landmark book, Tourism Planning (1979), although in passing he did
mention ‘places for festivals and conventions’. In the 1960s and 1970s the events sector was not
recognized as an area of separate study within leisure, tourism or recreation, all of which were rapidly
growing in the academic community and in professional practice. Boorstin (1961), an historian, first
drew attention to the phenomenon of ‘pseudo events’ created for publicity and political purposes.
Attention was paid to festivals as anthropology, sociology and art. For example, Greenwood’s (1972)
study of a Basque festival from an anthropological perspective lamented the negative influence of
tourism on authentic cultural celebrations. The authenticity of events, their social–cultural impacts, and
effects of tourism on events remain enduring themes. J.R.B. Ritchie and Beliveau published the first
article specifically about event tourism in JTR in 1974, the topic being how ‘hallmark events’ could
combat seasonality of tourism demand. They examined the Quebec Winter Carnival and included
citation of an unpublished study of the economic impacts of the Quebec Winter Carnival dated 1962,
which is perhaps the earliest such study recorded in the research literature. Most of the pioneering
published studies were event economic impact assessments, notably Della Bitta, Loudon, Booth, and
Weeks (1978) who reported in JTR on a Tall Ships event. Another early study of the economic impacts of
event tourism was conducted by Vaughan in Edinburgh in 1979, where the Tourism Recreation Research
Unit at the University of Edinburgh had recently been established. 4.1.2. The 1980s Event Tourism
expanded dramatically as a research topic in the 1980s. A number of extension studies at Texas A&M
focused on events and tourism including the Gunn and Wicks (1982) report on visitors to a festival in
Galveston. Two notable research articles from early in this decade include those by Gartner and Holecek
(1983) on the economic impact of an annual tourism industry exposition, and J.R.B. Ritchie’s (1984)
treatise on the nature of impacts from hallmark events, which remains a classic in terms of citations and
influence. A major study of festival visitors and the economic impacts of multiple festivals in Canada’s
National Capital region was conducted in the latter part of this decade (Coopers and Lybrand Consulting
Group, 1989), followed by a similar major study in Edinburgh (Scotinform Ltd., 1991). These remain
landmarks in terms of their scope and cross-event comparisons. By mid-decade Mill and Morrison’s
(1985) USA-based text The Tourism System explicitly recognized the power of events. The 1985 TTRA
Canada Chapter conference was themed ‘International Events: The Real Tourism Impact’ (Travel and
Tourism Research Association & Canada Chapter (TTRA), 1986), with the impetus coming from the
planned 1986 Vancouver World’s Fair and the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Internationally, the AIEST
(1987) conference produced a notable collection of material on the general subject of mega events.
Australian scholars were involved with Event Tourism very early and their influence has continued,
especially with substantial research funding from the Cooperative Research Centre program in
Sustainable Tourism. Prior to the America’s Cup Defence in Perth in 1988, the People and Physical
Environment Research Conference, 1987, was held under the theme of the Effects of Hallmark Events on
Cities. Soutar and McLeod (1993) later published research on residents’ perceptions of that major event.
One of the most influential research projects of that period was the comprehensive assessment of
impacts from the first Adelaide Grand Prix (Burns, Hatch, & Mules, 1986; Burns & Mules, 1989). At the
end of the 1980s, Syme, Shaw, Fenton, and Mueller (1989) published a book entitled The Planning and
Evaluation of Hallmark Events, and Hall (1989) wrote an article on the definition and analysis of hallmark
tourist events which noted the need for greater attention to social and cultural impacts. 4.1.3. The
1990s 1990 was a landmark year in the event management literature. Goldblatt’s book Special Events:
The Art and Science of Celebration was published, followed by Festivals, Special Events and Tourism
(Getz, 1991) and a year later Hallmark Tourist Events by C.M. Hall (1992). In the early 1990s academics
were clearly leading the way, as at that time there were few if any degree programs, and few courses
available anywhere, that featured event management or tourism. In the USA George Washington
University pioneered event management education, leading Hawkins and Goldblatt (1995), in a journal
article, to address the need for event management education. They also asked how events should be
treated within a tourism curriculum. The mid-to-late-1990s were the ‘take-off’ years for academic
institutionalization of event management, and with it a more legitimized advancement of scholarship on
event tourism and event studies. This process has been roughly 25–30-years behind the equivalent for
tourism, hospitality and leisure. There is also no doubt that leisure, tourism and hospitality provided a
large part of the foundation, by having adapted discipline-based theory and methodology, supporting
event-specific courses, and by spinning off event management degree programs. Festival Management
and Event Tourism (later renamed Event Management) started publishing in 1993, and many of its
articles have advanced event tourism research and theory. Uysal, Gahan, and Martin (1993) in the very
first issue began an enduring discourse on why people attend and travel to festivals and events. Two
other vital event tourism research themes were established early in this journal, including the article by
Bos (1994) who examined the importance of mega-events in generating tourism demand, and Crompton
and McKay’s (1994) article on measuring the economic impacts of events. Crompton’s (1999) related
contributions also include his research-based book published by the National Parks and Recreation
Association in 1999 entitled Measuring the Economic Impact of Visitors to Sport Tournaments and
Special Events. A very large number of research projects were commenced in Australia in preparation
for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games, and these have mostly been published in the current
decade. Faulkner et al. (2000) reported on this impressive initiative and many papers have subsequently
been published. 4.1.4. The current decade (2000s) As the 20th century closed the world celebrated with
numerous special events. No doubt this gave a boost to the events sector and its tourism value. Several
noteworthy articles were published right at the turn of the century, including state-of-the-art
commentary and methodology for conducting event impact assessments by Dwyer, Mellor, Mistillis, and
Mules (2000a, 2000b). These more or less laid to rest any debate on what needed to be done, and how
to do it validly, although the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism in Australia continues
to release impact studies and models (notably Jago & Dwyer, 2006). With so much attention having
been given previously to the economic dimensions of event tourism, it was to be expected that scholars
would seek more balance. Although research on social and cultural impacts of events goes back to
occasional anthropological studies like Greenwood (1972), the conceptual overview provided by Ritchie
(1984), and a noteworthy piece of sociological research by Cunneen and Lynch (1988) who studied
ritualized rioting at a sport event, it can be said that this current decade really ushered in a systematic
and theoretically grounded line of comprehensive event impact research. These are examined later in a
more theoretical context, but include Delamere (2001) and Delamere, Wankel, and Hinch (2001) on
development of resident attitude scales as social impact indicators, and related research publications by
Fredline and Faulkner (1998, 2002a, 2002b) and Xiao and Smith (2004) on resident perceptions of event
impacts as well as Fredline, Jago, and Deery (2003) and Fredline (2006) on development of a social
impact scale for events. The literature on events has now grown beyond anyone’s capability of reading it
all, with a number of distinct specializations having emerged and gained recognition-including event
tourism. In very practical terms, this probably defines ‘maturity’. The long-standing divisions based on
types of events remain (especially sport events, conventions, and festivals), the Olympics will always
attract its own scholarship, while world’s fairs and other mega-events retain an allure. Emerging sub-
areas include the various divisions of events-related impacts (environmental, economic, social/cultural),
policy and planning, business and management. Indeed it is probable that every disciplinary approach
will find its niche, and tourism issues can be part of all of them. Numerous undergraduate and some
graduate degree programs have been established, and it remains a hot growth area in universities and
colleges around the world. While generic event management degrees are now being awarded, there are
also specialized programs of study available: festivals, and convention management are particularly
popular. Event-specific research conferences for academics and practitioners are being held regularly in
Australia and the UK. Without doubt a certain amount of this evolution is faddish, paralleling what
happened earlier in the fields of leisure and tourism, but there can also be little doubt about the
sustainability of event management as a profession and academic field. Planned events are universally
important for many cultural, strategic and political reasons, and the demand for event professionals
cannot be met by crossover from other fields. 4.2. Literature on event tourism by event types Although
all types of planned events have tourism potential, even the smallest wedding or reunion, larger events
dominate in the literature and in event tourism development. In this section specific attention is given to
the three event types that are most frequently discussed. The semantic and epistemological debate in
the sport tourism literature (e.g., Weed, 2005) applies to all such intersecting fields of study, asking
these key question: is there something unique at the nexus which justifies separate theory (or
curriculum), or are they simply convenient research partnerships? 4.2.1. Business events and tourism
Interest in the tourism value of business events, including meetings, conventions, and exhibitions (both
trade and consumer shows) has been intense for so long that almost all major cities now possess
impressive convention and exhibition facilities, along with agencies devoted to selling the space and
bidding on events. The first convention bureau in the USA was established as far back as 1896 (Spiller,
2002) and the International Association of Convention Bureaus was founded in 1914. Weber and Chon
(2002) have assessed this sector in their book Convention Tourism: International Research and Industry
perspectives. Weber and Ladkin (2004) explored trends in the convention industry including
government’s increasing awareness of economic benefits of the so-called MICE industry (that is,
meetings, incentives, conventions and events/exhibitions). Two recent review articles cover convention
tourism research (Yoo & Weber, 2005) and convention and meeting management research (Lee & Back,
2005) including the tourism dimension. These reviews revealed a substantial amount of literature
pertaining to the various business event markets, including association, corporate and affinity-group
meetings, locational and site selection criteria and processes, and economic impacts. A defining element
in business event tourism is the dominance of extrinsic motivators in explaining travel—it is necessitated
to do business, to advance one’s career, or because it is required by one’s job. On the other hand,
business events and pleasure travel do mix, and the connection has been examined by Davidson (2003).
This mixed-motive phenomenon points to the need for generic event tourism theory. The Journal of
Convention and Event Tourism (founded in 1999) as the Journal of Convention and Exhibition
Management) is the most pertinent for researchers. While the early volumes were primarily oriented to
event management, it has repositioned to fully embrace tourism topics, such as Mackellar’s (2006a)
paper on local networks for developing event tourism. 4.2.2. Sport events and tourism Sports as ‘big
business’ is an enduring theme. For example, Rozin (2000) described Indianapolis as a ‘classic case’ of
how sports can generate a civic turnaround. Sports Business Market Research Inc. (2000, p. 167)
observed that in the 1980s and 1990s American cities ‘‘yput heavy emphasis on sports, entertainment
and tourism as a source of revenue for the cities.’’ Gratton and Kokolakakis (1997) believed that in the
UK sports events had become the main platform for economic regeneration in many cities. Carlsen and
Taylor (2003) looked at the ways in which Manchester used the Commonwealth Games to heighten the
city’s profile, give impetus to urban renewal through sport and commercial developments, and create a
social legacy through cultural and educational programming. Across North America almost every city
now has a sport tourism initiative, often with dedicated personnel and agencies, and global competition
to bid on events and attract the sport event tourist is fierce. In 1992 the US National Association of Sport
Commissions was established, with the well-publicized experience of Indianapolis leading the way. The
Tourism Industry Association of America in 1997 conducted a survey that examined sportrelated travel,
providing vastly improved understanding of this market (Travel Industry Association of America (TIA),
1999). The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance was formed in 2001, is industry led and market driven. It is
mostly a network of city-based DMOs like Tourism Calgary. CTC provided some money under its product
club program. Its aims include facilitating communication between sports and tourism, sharing best
practices, intelligence gathering, building investment, establishing targets. As a research topic, sport
event tourism became firmly established in the 1990s and has been expanding explosively since 2000.
An early published contribution came from Rooney’s (1988) classic geographical studies of sport,
specifically in the form of a paper on mega sport events as tourist attractions at the 1988 TTRA Montreal
conference. The journal of Sport and Tourism was founded in 1993 (after 7 years in electronic format) as
the Journal of Sport Tourism and edited by Joseph Kurtzman as an initiative of the new Sports Tourism
International Council. Gibson (1998) provided the first assessment of sport tourism research and Weed
(2006) reviewed the literature from 2000 to 2004. In addition to an ongoing discourse on what exactly is
sport tourism and its place in academia, as well as the commonplace economic impact assessments, a
number of other important themes can be identified. These are reviewed later within the context of the
theoretical framework. A growing number of books are available on the topic of sport tourism, both
theoretical and applied in nature, and sport events figure prominently in all of them (see Gammon &
Kurtzman, 2002; Gibson, 2006; Higham, 2005; Hinch & Higham, 2003; Hudson, 2002; Ritchie & Adair,
2004; Standeven & De Knop, 1999; Turco, Riley, & Swart, 2002; Weed & Bull, 2004). The intersection of
sport management and sport studies with tourism deals with two major themes: sport events as
attractions (for participants and fans), and more active forms of sport participation that require travel
such as skiing. Just about every form of organized sport will generate planned events, and they tend to
evolve from local to international in attractiveness. This gives rise to event travel careers that evolve and
can last a lifetime. 4.2.3. Festivals and other cultural celebrations Cultural celebrations, including
festivals, carnivals, religious events and the arts and entertainment in general (mainly concerts and
theatrical productions) are often subsumed in the literature on cultural tourism (e.g., McKercher & du
Cros, 2002; Richards, 1996, 2007). Festivals in particular have been examined in the context of place
marketing, urban development, tourism and more recently social change (e.g., Picard & Robinson,
2006a). ‘Festival tourism’ has been the subject of quite a few research papers (e.g., Anwar & Sohail,
2004; Donovan & Debres, 2006; Formica & Uysal, 1998; McKercher, Mei, & Tse, 2006; Nurse, 2004;
Robinson, Picard, & Long, 2004; Saleh & Ryan, 1993). Occasionally art exhibitions and tourism have been
examined (e.g., Mihalik & WingVogelbacher, 1992). A major study in the USA by the Travel Industry
Association of America and Smithsonian Magazine (2003) profiled the cultural–historic tourist, including
cultural events as attractions and activities. Several researchers have sought to determine the marketing
orientation of festivals (Mayfield & Crompton, 1995; Mehmetoglu & Ellingsen, 2005; Tomljenovic &
Weber, 2004). It has often been observed, and the research tends to confirm this suspicion, that arts
festivals in particular display a lack of concern for tourism and take a product orientation that tends to
ignore customer needs and commercial realities. Carlsen and Getz (2006) provided a strategic planning
approach for enhancing the tourism orientation of a regional wine festival, but perhaps wine and
tourism make more natural partners. Although arts and tourism linkages have been advocated by many,
and certainly exist with regard to festivals, concerts and staged performances, there will always remain
tension between these sectors. The anthropological literature on cultural celebrations is vast, with
tourism sometimes being viewed as an agent of change, such as giving rise to declining cultural
authenticity. Along these lines, festival tourism and ‘festivalization’ has become issue in cultural studies
(Quinn, 2006). Prentice and Andersen (2003) assessed festivals in Edinburgh, looking at their role in
image creation and tourism generation, and it is that kind of emphasis that has led to the evident
backlash. 4.3. Olympics, world’s fairs, and other mega events Historically, a great deal of attention has
been paid by researchers and theorists to the Olympics. Their magnitude, political and economic
importance, prominence in the media and frequent controversy surrounding the IOC and the Games
make them popular subjects. However, they are hardly typical of planned events or event tourism.
Olympics-related literature is huge, fuelled in part by Olympic research centers around the world.
Numerous themes are covered in the Olympics literature, including their economic costs and impacts
(e.g., Cicarelli & Kowarsky, 1973; Glos, 2005; Kasimati, 2003; Taylor & Gratton, 1988). Tourism markets
for Olympics have been explored by Pyo, Cook, and Howell (1988), tourism and urban regeneration
issues by Hughes (1993), and tourism impacts of the Olympics by Kang and Perdue (1994), Teigland
(1996), and Faulkner et al. (2000). Tourism marketing and Olympics was studied by Leibold and van Zyl
(1994). Other topics include Olympic bids, politics, and urban boosterism (Hiller, 2000a); the Olympic
legacy (Ritchie, 2000); host population perceptions of Olympics (Mihalik, 2001; Ritchie & Smith, 1991);
sponsorship and Olympic impacts (Brown, 2002) and business leveraging surrounding the Olympics
(O’Brien, 2006). Toohey and Veal (2007) took a general social science perspective to Olympic studies,
and a critical evaluation of the Olympics has been provided by Waitt (2004). Without doubt the Olympics
are a fertile ground for research, but this has tended to overshadow other mega events like world’s fairs
and international sport championships. Mega-events in general were the subject of an AIEST conference
in 1987, and a conference with subsequent book edited by Andersson, Persson, Sahlberg, and Strom
(1999). Roche (2000, 2006) has studied both the Olympics and mega events in general in the context of
globalization. Hiller (2000b) took an urban sociological perspective on mega events, while Carlsen and
Taylor (2003) looked at mega events and urban renewal. World’s fairs and their tourism connections
have been examined by Mendell, MacBeth, and Solomon (1983), Dungan (1984), Lee (1987), Hatten
(1987), Dimanche (1996), and de Groote (2005). 5. A framework for knowledge creation and theory
development in event tourism Fig. 5 provides a framework for systematically studying and creating
knowledge about event tourism, or by extension to planned events in general. It is used in the following
sub-sections to identify knowledge gaps and productive lines of research and theory development. Figs.
6–9 summarize key research questions and theoretical gaps under each of these themes, with the
overall purpose of suggesting ways to advance event tourism studies. 5.1. The core phenomenon: event
tourism experiences and meanings It is now almost a cliche´ to say that tourism and hospitality are key
players in the ‘experience economy’ popularized by Pine and Gilmore (1999), yet the nature of planned
event experiences in general, and event tourism experiences in particular, has been given little research
attention. As well, the meanings attached to travel and event combinations have not been fully
explored. Both the event and the travel experience have to be understood in concert. Attending an
event in one’s own home community is experientially different from traveling to an event, both where
travel is a necessary condition (i.e., the event motivates travel, and the costs/risks of travel ARTICLE IN
PRESS A FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDING AND CREATING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT EVENT TOURISM
NATURE AND MEANINGS OF EVENT TOURISM EXPERIENCES • The travel and event experience (for
visitors, participants, organizers) • Meanings attached to Event Tourism PLANNING AND MANAGING
EVENT TOURISM • Stakeholders and Organizations • Goals and strategies • Resources used •
Professionalism OUTCOMES AND THE IMPACTED • Personal • Societal, Political • Cultural • Economic •
Environmental • Needs, motives, preferences • Leisure and work contexts • Barriers and Constraints •
Cultural and community influences PATTERNS AND PROCESSES • Spatial and temporal patterns • Policy
• Knowledge creation Temporal Patterns Spatial Patterns Policy Knowledge Creation PERSONAL
ANTECEDENTS and CHOICES Fig. 5. A framework for understanding and creating knowledge about evebt
tourism (Source: adapted from Getz, 2007). might deter attendance) and where travel to an event is an
integral part of a pleasurable experience. Application of theory and methods from psychology and
anthropology are particularly required. Theorists, relying heavily on social psychology, have provided
many of the insights we need, at least with regard to intrinsically motivated event tourism behavior.
Much less is known about extrinsically motivated event and travel experiences. The range of potential
event experiences is quite broad, from the fun and revelry of entertainment, carnival and party, to the
solemn spirituality of religious pilgrimage and celebratory rituals. Many events are all about learning,
while others foster commerce. Sport for participants is all about challenge, yet sport events encompass
sub-cultural identity as well as nostalgia on the part of fans. Pilgrimage is a journey by definition, and
generally entails a visit to a sacred site plus a special event. Other forms of event tourism can take on
the form of secular pilgrimages, with events or places of high symbolic value and personal meaning
becoming destinations. For example, cities that host mega events have, like Barcelona and the Olympics,
turned event venues into places of pilgrimage. In the discourse pertaining to pilgrimage and event
tourism, so-called ‘secular pilgrimages’ (e.g., Gammon, 2004) are sometimes contrasted with religious
and spiritual pilgrimages (e.g., Singh, 2006; Timothy & Olsen, 2006), raising the issue of authenticity.

5.1.1. Theory on event experiences and meanings Experiences should be conceptualized and studied in
terms of three inter-related dimensions: what people are doing, or behavior (the ‘conative’ dimension),
their emotions, moods, or attitudes (the ‘affective’ dimension), and cognition (awareness, perception,
understanding). And we want to understand the event tourism experience holistically, from the needs,
motivations, attitudes and expectations brought to the event, through the actual living experience (the
‘doing’, or ‘being there’) all the way to reflections on the event-including meanings attached to it and
influences on future behavior. A starting point can be the classical work of anthropologists van Gennep
(1909) and Turner (1969, 1974, 1982) who advanced the concept of ‘liminality’. This has been found to
be relevant to both travel and event experiences (Ryan, 2002). In terms of one’s involvement in rituals
this state is characterized by humility, seclusion, tests, sexual ambiguity and ‘communitas’ (everyone
becoming the same). ‘Liminoid’ described the same state but in profane rather than sacred terms, so
that it might apply to carnivals and festivals, emphasizing the notion of separation, loss of identity and
social status, and role reversals. In this state people are more relaxed, uninhibited, and open to new
ideas. Jafar Jarai’s model of ‘tourist culture’ is based on socioanthropological theory concerning
liminality, plus Falassi’s (1987) notion of festivity as a time that is ‘out of ordinary time’. Essentially,
people willingly travel to, or enter into an event-specific place for defined periods of time, to engage in
activities that are out of the ordinary and to have experiences that transcend the ordinary—experiences
only available to the traveler or the event-goer. As well, Csikszentmihalyi (1990) and Csikszentmihalyi
and Csikszentmihalyi’s (1988) concept of ‘flow’ or peak experiences, from leisure studies, fits well into
this model. Facilitating ‘flow’ might be something the event designer wants to achieve, for maximum
engagement, and something the highly ‘involved’ might be more inclined to experience because of their
predispositions. Research supports the existence and importance of ‘communitas’ at events. Hannam
and Halewood (2006) in a study of participants in Viking festivals, concluded that group identity was
fostered, even to the point of establishing a ‘neo-tribal’ community. Green and Chalip’s (1998) study of
women athletes determined that the event was a celebration of sub-cultural values. Fairley and
Gammon (2006) identified the importance of sport fan communities, while Pitts (1999) studied lesbian
and gay sports tourism niche markets. The meanings attached to planned events and event tourism
experiences are both an integral part of the experience and are antecedents to future event tourism
behavior. To the extent that event tourism experiences are transforming, that is they change beliefs,
values or attitudes, then individuals will likely adopt new behaviors in the future. It may be that multiple
event experiences are required for transformation, or it might occur as part of a social bonding (i.e.,
‘communitas’). Meanings are given to events by social groups, communities and society as a whole.
Individuals are affected by these meanings, but are also able to make their own interpretations of
events. Event types or forms, as previously discussed, are to a large extent ‘social constructs’, with
collectively assigned and generally recognized meanings. Roche (2000, p. 7, see also 2006) saw events,
like the global Millennium celebrations, acting as ‘‘yimportant elements in the orientation of national
societies to international or global society.’’ Indeed, many countries have used mega events to gain
legitimacy and prestige, draw attention to their accomplishments, foster trade and tourism, or to help
open their countries to global influences. This is much more than place marketing—it is more like
national identity building. And Whitson and Macintosh (1996, p. 279) said countries and cities compete
for mega sport events to demonstrate their ‘modernity and economic dynamism’. Russell (2004)
examined the political meanings attached to the National Eisteddfod of Wales, which has a tradition
dating back to 1176. She found this annual competition of music and poetry is simultaneously an arena
for performing arts, a forum for preserving the Welsh language, a tourist attraction, a trade fair, and a
platform for political acts of Welsh significance. ‘‘As an arts and cultural festivalythe Eisteddfod also
delivers the wider range of economic and socio-linguistic benefits which embrace the interests of the
Wales Tourist Board, the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Language Board, local authorities and
others’’. There exists an ongoing discourse on the cultural ‘authenticity’ of events, often with the
particular concern that tourism commodifies events and corrupts their authenticity, but also that many
events are created for commercial and exploitive reasons (see, for example, Boorstin, 1961; Getz
(2000a, 2000b); Greenwood, 1972; Picard & Robinson, 2006a, 2006b; Ray, McCain, Davis, & Melin, 2006;
Sofield, 1991; Xie, 2003, 2004). However, an alternative view is that tourism helps preserve traditions
and meanings, with festivals and other cultural celebrations being prime examples. Fig. 6 provides a list
of key research questions on event tourism experiences and meanings, together with possible research
methods. While traditional consumer research is still relevant, there is clearly a need to look deeper into
the experiential realm through anthropological methods like participant observation (as employed by
Getz, O’Neill, & Carlsen, 2001, at a surfing event), phenomenology (Chen, 2006 on event sport tourists)
and to use experiential sampling as employed in leisure studies (Hektner & Csikszentmihalyi, 2002;
Larson & Csikszentmihalyi, 1983). 5.2. Antecedents to event tourism Many personal, social and cultural
factors will affect event tourism behavior, and although there is a substantial body of literature on
leisure and travel in general, the various factors specifically affecting event tourism have not been well
explored. Both leisure and work-related factors have to be examined. A singular study of personal values
and event tourism was conducted by Hede, Jago, and Deery (2004) and Kay (2004) conducted one of
only a few cross-cultural studies of events and tourism. There are both generic benefits to be gained
from event tourism experiences (i.e., those that can be realized through attending any events or
pursuing other forms of leisure and travel), and there are specific benefits related to the match between
what the event tourist seeks and the event specifically offers. Researchers have only recently turned
their attention from general motivational studies concerning travel and events to the issue of targeted
benefits. Mackellar’s (2006b) research specifically addressed the differences between special-interest
and general motivations in attracting people to travel to events. This progress follows from established
lines of leisure and lifestyle research, and of necessity utilizes and adapts their theoretical constructs
and methodologies. In particular, the constructs of serious leisure (Jones & Green, 2006; Stebbins, 1982,
1992, 2001, 2006), recreation specialization (Bryan, 1977, 2000; Burr & Scott, 2004), and ego-
involvement (Dann, 1977; Havitz & Dimanche, 1999; Kim, Scott, & Crompton, 1997; Ryan & Lockyer,
2002) have considerable potential. Also of importance is leisure constraints theory (Hinch, Jackson,
Hudson, & Walker, 2006; Jackson, 2005; Jackson, Crawford, & Godbey, 1992) which examines generic
categories of constraints including the intrapersonal (one’s perceptions and attitudes), interpersonal
(such as a lack of leisure partners), and structural (time, money, supply and accessibility). ARTICLE IN
PRESS KEY RESEARCH QUESTIONS in EVENT TOURISM: The Planned Event Experience and Meanings
POSSIBLE RESEARCH METHODS -How do people describe, explain and assign meaning to various event
tourism experiences? within each of these dimensions: conative (behaviour); affective (emotional) and
cognitive. -Describe and explain the formation of personal and social constructs regarding event tourism
experiences. -How does level of involvement or engagement affect the event tourism experience? -
Examine 'arousal' and 'flow' within different event settings. -What makes event tourism experiences
memorable and transforming? -How does 'communitas' form at events? Can it be facilitated? -
Systematically compare different event experiences (for all stakeholders, from paying customers and
guests to the general public, and between types of event, from sport to carnival) -hermeneutics (analysis
of texts; self-reporting) -phenomenology (e.g., in-depth interviews at events) -direct and participant
observation -experiential sampling (diary or time-sampling with standard questions) Fig. 6. Demand for
events is notoriously difficult to predict (Pyo, Cook, & Howell, 1988; Mules & McDonald, 1994; Spilling,
1998; Teigland, 1996). Major events use long-term tracking studies and market penetration estimates to
forecast attendance, but there have been notable failures including the New Orleans World’s Fair
(Dimanche, 1996). Lee and Kim (1998) examined event forecasting, and Xiao and Smith’s (2004) study of
world’s fair attendance forecasting concluded with an improved approach. A rare study that examined
why people do NOT attend events was conducted in Melbourne and reported by Miller, Jago, and Deery
(2004). Boo and Busser (2006) particularly looked at how image enhancement from events can induce
tourist demand to destinations.

5.2.1. Motivation research Motivational research in the events sector is very well established (e.g.,
Backman, Backman, Uysal, & Sunshine, 1995; Crompton & McKay, 1997; Formica & Murrmann, 1998;
Getz & Cheyne, 2002; Gibson, 2004; Lee, Lee, & Wicks, 2004; Mohr, Backman, Gahan, & Backman, 1993;
Nogawa, Yamaguchi, & Hagi, 1996; Raybould, 1998; Robinson & Gammon, 2004; Scott, 1996; Thrane,
2002). Li and Petrick (2006) reviewed the literature pertaining to festival and event motivations and
concluded from many studies that the seeking and escaping theory (Iso-Ahola, 1980, 1983) is largely
confirmed. These are ‘intrinsic motivators’, with the event being a desired leisure pursuit. Researchers
have demonstrated that escapism leads people to events for the generic benefits of entertainment and
diversion, socializing, learning and doing something new, i.e., novelty seeking, and just plain getting
away from it all. The pull or seeking factors apply more to those with special interests who want a
specific set of benefits offered by the event. For example, highly involved runners need events to
compete in (McGehee, Yoon, and Cardenas 2003) and professionals have to attend certain conferences
because of their educational content or the unique networking possibilities (Severt, Wang, Chen, &
Breiter, 2007). The exact balance between generic (escapist) and specific (seeking) benefits obtained at
any given event will depend on many personal factors including motives, expectations, mood and the
experiences obtained. Nicholson and Pearce (2001) studied motivations to attend four quite different
events in New Zealand: an air show, award ceremony, wild food festival, and a wine, food and music
festival. They concluded that multiple motivations were the norm, and that while socialization was
common to them all, it varied in its nature. Event-specific reasons were tied to the novelty or
uniqueness of each event. When examining why people attend particular events, considerable
theoretical power stems from Pearce’s ‘‘Travel Career Trajectory’’ (2005). From it, a hypothetical ‘event
travel career’ is suggested. For example, there is reason to believe that business and professional
practice leads to a ‘career’ of necessary and/or desirable meetings and conventions, eventually resulting
in a community of interest shared with others following similar career paths. The concepts of serious
leisure, recreation specialization and ego-involvement suggest that many people will find intrinsic
motivation to travel to events, such as amateur athletes and competitive events, or art lovers pursuing a
career of volunteer experiences at music festivals. An ‘event travel career’ should be evident first in
terms of motivations (i.e., the underlying drive to attend events), and precise motives (for specific event
experiences and events). There should be a progression through time such as participation in more and
different events, looking for higher-order benefits. Geographic preferences and patterns should emerge,
and this is where destinations can directly influence the process, through bidding and developing iconic
and hallmark events. Perhaps the event travel career will also be manifested in a progression from local
to national and ultimately an international scale of travel. Evolving preferences for event characteristics
and travel arrangements, and ultimately modified behavior are to be expected from the dedicated and
experienced event tourist (e.g., higher-level competition; travel with family and friends versus alone;
combining holidays with events; behaving differently during events). The nature of the sport tourism
experience and motivation has received considerable attention. Active and passive sport tourists were
identified by Gibson (1998, 2006), while Robinson and Gammon (2004) examined primary and
secondary motives for sports-related travel. Nostalgia as a motivator has been examined by Fairley and
Gammon (2006), and this ties in with the notion of community of interests or sub-cultures. Pertaining to
the business event traveller, Rittichainuwat, Beck, and LaLopa (2001) studied motivations, inhibitors and
facilitators for attending international conferences. Oppermann and Chon (1997) examined convention
tourism from the perspectives of both association and attendees’ decision making including locational
factors, intervening opportunities, personal and business factors, association and conference factors,
experiences and their evaluation. Ngamsom and Beck (2000) researched motivations and inhibitors
affecting event-travel decisions by association members. Fig. 7 outlines key research questions and
possible methods pertaining to antecedents and choices. Little has been done to examine cultural
differences in event tourism demand, and much more is needed on constraints related to event-
motivated travel. Examining the event careers of highly involved amateur athletes will help, but this
approach should also be applied to lifestyle and extrinsically motivated travel. 5.3. Planning and
managing event tourism While published advice is available on event tourism planning, development
and marketing (see Bramwell, 1977; Getz, 2003; Gnoth & Anwar, 2000; Higham, 2005), it remains a
relatively unexplored research theme. This line of inquiry will have to encompass the organizations
involved, stakeholder networks, policy making, goals and strategies, impacts and evaluations. Getz et al.
(1998) determined that events were one of the few common ‘products’ developed by convention and
visitor bureaus in Canada. These DMOs are primarily marketing oriented, but found strong support for
events development from their members, particularly hoteliers wanting to fill rooms in off-peak tourist
seasons. Attention to event stakeholder management, partnerships and collaboration is increasing (e.g.,
Getz, Andersson, & Larson, 2007; Larson, 2002; Larson & Wikstrom, 2001; Long, 2000), with research by
Whitford (2004a, 2004b) specifically taking a stakeholder perspective on Event Tourism policy making in
Australia. Weed (2003) studied sport tourism policy in the context of stakeholder relationships, while
the book by Weed and Bull (2004) further addresses these issues in sport tourism policy. Irrational event
planning is a topic seldom addressed (see Armstrong, 1985; Bramwell, 1997). It relates to the notion of
civic or tourism ‘boosterism’ and the exercise of power. The search for competitive advantages has not
produced much research on strategy, but specific event tourism development and marketing tactics are
being studied. Attention has been given to the image-enhancement potential of events and their media
coverage, including how this might generate induced demand for the destination (Chalip, Green, & Hill,
2003; Getz & Fairley, 2004; Hede, 2005; Li & Vogelsong, 2005; Mossberg, 2000b; Ritchie, Sanders, &
Mules, 2006; Shibli & the Sport Industry Research Centre, 2002; Smith, 2005). Co-branding events and
destinations is a related topic (Chalip & Costa, 2006; Jago, Chalip, Brown, Mules, & Shameem, 2003). The
‘leveraging’ of events for additional benefits is a growing concern (Chalip & Leyns, 2002; Chalip &
McGuirty, 2004; Gratton, Dobson, & Shibli, 2000; Morse, 2001; O’Brien, 2006). These topics also connect
to the goal of generating a lasting event ‘legacy’ (Dimanche, 1996; Hall, 1994; Mihalik, 1994; Ritchie,
2000). In Fig. 8 a number of key research questions are posed, and it is suggested that case studies and
benchmarking are needed to determine what strategies and practices work best. 5.4. Patterns and
processes 5.4.1. Spatial Event geography is not a well-developed theme, and few scholars have
examined event tourism patterns. Getz (2004a) outlined the meaning and scope of event geography
including its tourism-related themes. Janiskee’s (1994, 1996) groundbreaking contributions to event
geography have to be acknowledged although his papers mostly examine the spatial and temporal
distribution of festivals and what caused these patterns, not travel to events. He also addressed the
question of whether or not a region or a time-spot could reach its capacity in terms of event numbers.
Bohlin (2000) employed a classic technique, the distancedecay function, to determine how far people
traveled to various festivals in Sweden, and what factors made the most difference. He determined that
travel declined with distance, as expected. But well-established, recurring events had the greatest
drawing power. Market potential for events was examined geographically by Wicks and Fesenmaier
(1995). The market areas and tourist attractiveness of events have also been studied by Verhoven, Wall,
and Cottrell (1998) employing demand mapping, and by Lee and Crompton (2003). Travel cost analysis
as a measure of an event’s economic value was addressed by Prabha, Rolfe, and Sinden (2006).
Sherwood (2007) obtained data for mapping travel to events in order to assess an event’s ‘energy
footprint’.

5.4.2. Temporal Seasonality of demand is the main temporal theme in event tourism, starting with the
classic Ritchie and Beliveau (1974) research paper. Events are one important way in which destinations
can combat low tourist demand, yet as revealed by Janiskee (1996), Ryan, Smee, Murphy, and Getz
(1998), and others there is in most destinations a pronounced peaking of events in the high summer
season, thereby presenting a challenge to the DMO. Yoon, Spencer, Holecek, and Kim (2000) did one of
the few studies of the seasonality of the event tourism market, in Michigan. Displacement of residents
and other tourists is an occasionally researched temporal/spatial issue in event tourism (e.g., Brannas &
Nordstrom, 2006; Hultkrantz, 1998). This occurs when an event fills up available accommodation, or
when publicity leads to the perception of crowding or high expense and this causes people to leave
town or stay away. Obviously it is a major reason for bidding on or creating events in the off-peak tourist
season. The event life cycle, both in terms of changing market appeal and long-term sustainability or
institutionalization, is an important temporal theme that has received a little attention by researchers
(see Beverland, Hoffman, & Rasmussen, 2001; Frisby & Getz, 1989; Getz, 1993, 2000a, 2000b; Getz &
Frisby, 1988; Richards & Ryan, 2004; Sofield & Li, 1998; Sofield & Sivan, 2003; Walle, 1994). Within a
portfolio approach some thought has to be given to the image and freshness of events appealing to
specific market segments, and the attractiveness of the overall mix of events. This relates to population
ecology theory in the sense that the health of the portfolio is probably more important than the
sustainability or appeal of individual events—but only in a strategic marketing sense, and not necessarily
in terms of social and cultural factors. Time switching is an important issue in event tourism, being the
propensity of people to alter the timing of their travel plans to take in an event. They are not necessarily
attracted to travel because of the event and therefore their spending cannot be considered a benefit of
the event (this is part of the general ‘attribution problem’ in event impact assessment; see for example
Dwyer et al., 2000a, 2000b). 5.4.3. Policy for event tourism There have been only a few studies reported
on the policy dimension. Hall and Rusher (2004, p. 229) concluded that ‘‘ythere still remains relatively
little analysis of the political context of events and the means by which events come to be developed
and hosted within communities.’’ A study by Whitford (2004a, 2004b, p. 81) in Queensland, Australia, is
one of the few to address local authority policy towards events. She concluded that little recognition had
been given to events ‘‘yas a vehicle to facilitate entrepreneurial enterprises and/or regional
development’’ and that a ‘‘ymore whole of government, proactive entrepreneurial approach to the
development of event public policy’’ is needed. Event tourism policy tends to be top-down (at least in
Australia, as demonstrated by Whitford (2004a, 2004b), mainly because it is seen as legitimate economic
development, but also because so much bidding on events is opportunistic. Only an inner circle of
mostly government agencies is typically consulted. However, at the local and regional levels, particularly
for producing events, there was observed much more collaboration and widespread stakeholder input.
Weed’s (2003) research in the UK revealed tensions between the two ‘communities’ of sport and
tourism including funding and resources, top-down policy-making, organization and professionalization,
internal focus, and project-based liaison. Results showed how development of this policy network (i.e.,
sport plus tourism) can be made sustainable.

focused on the strategic use of events in UK local authorities, Reid (2006) looked at the politics of city
imaging surrounding an event, and Thomas and Wood (2004) wrote about event based tourism and
local government in the UK. In fact, there seems to be a broader discourse on event and tourism in
general in the United Kingdom. Some work is being done on events in the urban studies and policy
literature. For example, Gotham (2002), writing in Urban Studies, examined Mardi Gras in New Orleans
from the perspective of place marketing, commodification, spectacle, globalization and political
economy. 5.4.4. Knowledge creation Knowledge creation in this field has largely been ad hoc and
fractionalized among diverse interest groups. Review articles like this one have as one of their main
purposes the summarizing and integration of all the pertinent literature, as do the growing number of
textbooks. However, research on the process and actors in knowledge creation for event tourism is
largely absent. One closely related study by Stokes (2004) examined knowledge networks in the
Australian events sector. In advancing knowledge a number of important actors have to be involved, and
perhaps some new collaborative processes developed. Event and tourism studies, like other immature
fields of inquiry, are mostly multi-disciplinary in nature, drawing theory, knowledge, methodologies and
methods from many established disciplines. It is also accomplished indirectly, by drawing on closely
related professional fields like leisure studies. When two or more disciplinary foundations are applied to
the problem we enter the realm of interdisciplinary research, with the longterm goal being to establish
unique, interdisciplinary theory and knowledge. Anyone doing research on events should view the
established disciplinary perspectives as a legitimate starting point. Even if the research problem is
rooted in a policy or management need, it is highly possible that geography, economics, or another
discipline already provides an answer or a solid foundation for doing the research. However, within
these disciplines the study of events and tourism is often incidental to a broader issue or theoretical
problem. Fig. 9 lists a number of key research questions on patterns and processes, and because these
are all dynamic elements in the event tourism system, more longitudinal and retrospective research will
be needed. 5.5. Outcomes and the impacted Event tourism is primarily driven by the goal of economic
benefits, but we need to examine outcomes and impacts at the personal and societal levels, and also in
terms of cultural and environmental change. Event tourism should be viewed in an open-system
perspective, identifying ‘inputs’ (what it takes to make events happen, including the costs of bidding,
facility development and marketing), ‘transforming processes’ (events as agents of change), and
‘outcomes’ (desired and undesired impacts, including externalities). Depending on one’s perspective,
outcomes and change processes might be interpreted as a positive or negative impact. It has been clear
for some time that there has been a preoccupation with the economic costs, roles and impacts of
events. So much research and applied work has been devoted to this one theme that other outcomes
have been neglected, as well as development of suitable and convincing measures of event impacts and
value. However, social and cultural outcomes and indicators are being developed, and the
environmental effects of events and tourism are finally being addressed through research. Carlsen, Getz,
and Soutar (2001) sought to establish broader measures of event impacts, and Sherwood, Jago, and
Deery (2004, 2005) and Sherwood (2007) have advanced a triple bottom line approach to event
sustainability. The challenge appears to be mostly political and attitudinal, in particular to overcome the
economics bias inherent in event tourism. 5.5.1. Economic outcomes As noted in the chronological
literature review, economic impacts were the first theme to be thoroughly studied. The earliest journal
articles were by Della Bitta et al. (1978), and Davidson and Schaffer (1980). The first truly comprehensive
event impact research was conducted on the Adelaide Grand Prix (see Burns et al., 1986). Since then, a
number of scholars have lamented the lack of consistency used in event impact studies (Dwyer, Forsyth,
& Spurr, 2005; Sherwood, 2007; Uysal & Gitelson, 1994), but there is now so much literature available
that practitioners should be able to avoid the main pitfalls. Also, more methodological and analytical
choices are becoming available. Research concerning the economic impacts of specific types of events is
also well established. Grado, Strauss, and Lord (1998) examined conferences and conventions, and
Dwyer (2002) provided an overview of convention tourism impacts. Solberg, Andersson, and Shibli, 2002
examined ‘business’ travelers to events, notably the media and officials. Impacts of events on the public
sector have been studied (Andersson and Samuelson, 2000) and it is especially noteworthy that tax
benefits for all levels of government constitute one of the biggest benefits of event tourism (Turco,
1995). Economic impacts are only a starting point, with a number of authors calling for more
comprehensive cost and benefit evaluations (Burgan & Mules, 2001; Mules & Dwyer, 2006; Whitson &
Horne, 2006). As early as 1973 Cicarelli and Kowarsky conducted a cost-benefit evaluation of the
Olympics. Although income and value-added multipliers are typically used when converting direct (in-
scope) event tourism spending into gross economic impacts, others have used econometric modeling
and most recently economists have been recommending use of General Equilibrium Models (Dwyer,
Forsyth, & Spurr, 2006). Laesser, Stettler, and Rutter (2003) developed economic impact coefficients
called a ‘subsidy multiplier’ and a ‘regional share of direct in-scope expenditure’. 5.5.2. Social, cultural,
political As event tourism gains momentum, perceived negative impacts will become more widespread
and will generate more refined examination and criticism. Residents’ perceptions of, and attitudes
towards events has already emerged as a major research and theoretical theme, although the tourism-
specific dimensions have not been fully examined in this context. This line of research includes: Soutar
and McLeod (1993), Delamere (1997, 2001), Delamere et al. (2001), Fredline and Faulkner (1998, 2000,
2002a, 2002b), Mihalik (2001), Fredline et al. (2003, 2005), Cegielski and Mules (2002), Ohmann, Jones,
and Wilkes (2006), Xiao and Smith (2004), Gursoy and Kendall (2006), Lim and Lee (2006), and Fredline
(2006). A number of theoretical perspectives are being taken, including exchange theory, to explain
resident reactions to events. More focused social impact studies include Barker, Page, and Meyer’s
(2002a, 2002b) papers on event-related crime and perceptions of safety during an event (2003). 5.5.3.
Environmental Researchers in Australia have recently sought to develop a balanced (i.e., triple bottom
line) set of event impact indicators (Sherwood et al., 2004, 2005; Sherwood, 2007). Sherwood (2007)
specifically examined 85 event economic impact studies prepared in Australia. He found that economic
impact assessment was inconsistent but well established, and that social and cultural event impacts
were being given more and more attention, but there was still a great need for advancing environmental
impact assessment. According to Sherwood, only two published papers by May (1995) and Harris and
Huyskens (2002) had dealt explicit with the environmental impacts of events, and only one of 85 event
impact studies actually employed a triple bottom line approach. Fredline, Raybould, Jago, and Deery
(2005) recommend use of the ‘event footprint’ as a concept of triple-bottomline accounting. This
graphical technique plots scores from key indicators on three dimensions. Chernushenko’s books (2001)
are relevant, along with Olympics environmental guidelines, programs by industry associations to
encourage ‘green’ events, and the new environmental standards for events in the UK (British Standards,
2007). In Fig. 10, a number of key research questions pertaining to outcomes are suggested, and it is
clear from the literature review that the greatest need is for more attention to environmental outcomes,
leading to better environmental management. A broader (i.e., involving all stakeholders) and more
systematic discourse will be needed to overcome the wellestablished economics bias.

6. Conclusions Event tourism is both a sub-field within established academic streams, in realty at the
nexus of tourism and event studies, and an area of destination management application. Therefore, we
need to draw implications for event and destination managers, and for the academic and research
community interested in tourism and event studies. Fig. 5 provides a framework that can be used by
managers and policy makers to shape their overall understanding and approach to event tourism, while
at the same time generating many research questions for theory building. Figs. 6–10 ask both theoretical
and practical questions and together constitute a fairly comprehensive research agenda. 6.1.
Implications for management of events and event tourism Event managers interested in developing
their tourism potential should ideally become committed stakeholders in the community’s or
destination’s tourism planning process. By working together as a lobby and marketing consortium,
events can seek to influence the destination’s positioning and brand, funding and development work,
research and evaluation programs, all to further the cause of specific events and the event sector.
Common issues include domination by a few ‘hallmark’ events that have become permanent
institutions, the ignoring of local and regional festivals and events because of their perceived lack of
tourism orientation or potential, and an over-emphasis on bidding on one-time mega events. Fostering a
comprehensive portfolio approach to event tourism can benefit all stakeholders by ensuring that the
potential contributions of all events are considered, and by establishing appropriate support
mechanisms. By viewing event tourism as a system, as in Fig. 5, marketing research and evaluation can
be integrated and made more effective. This will normally require the collaborative efforts of the event
sector and DMO, as the necessary knowledge comes from both evaluation of specific events and from
broader market research. For example, while an event manager has to conduct a visitor survey in order
to profile their customers, the destination must gain an understanding of potential event tourist
segments and match that with supply. DMOs looking for competitive advantage may seek to create new
events for specific target segments or seek to modify the marketing mix of existing events. In the
suggested research agenda (Figs. 6–10) one theme stands out in terms of its importance for event
managers and event tourism strategists. Increasingly it will be necessary to ‘custom-design’ highly
targeted event experiences, and this has to be based on greater knowledge of the planned event
experience in all its dimensions (by type of event, setting and management systems). A variety of
research approaches and many comparisons will be required, from evaluations of those attending
events to qualitative studies of what people are looking for, meanings they attach to their experiences,
and influences on future attitudes and behavior. 6.2. Implications for advancement of theory It can be
concluded that event tourism studies and related research are still in the early stage of development
and there is great scope for theoretical advances. Reviewing the literature on events, Formica (1998)
identified economics or financial impacts, followed by marketing, profiles of events, sponsorship,
management and trends/ forecasts as the most frequent topics in the journals Festival Management and
Event Tourism plus three leading tourism journals. He argued that the emerging event management
field needed more theoretical development, and hence more sophisticated and multiple research
methods. Similarly, an assessment by Getz (2000a, 2000b), from a detailed analysis of articles only in
Festival Management and Event Tourism (later Event Management), also concluded that the most
frequently studied topics were economic development and impacts, then sponsorship and event
marketing from the corporate perspective, other management topics, and general marketing including
motivation and segmentation. Getz outlined a research agenda on the key question of valuing events.
Harris et al. (2001) also set out a research agenda, specifically for event research in Australia. They
consulted practitioners, who preferred more research on event management topics including
identification of consumer needs and motivations as well as market segmentation. Government officials
wanted more done on why events fail, risk management factors and standardized research methods.
Academics wanted more research on risk management strategy, valuing the events industry, and
reasons for event failure. Hede et al. (2002, 2003) reviewed special events research for the 1990–2002
period. One major conclusions was to call far the use of a triple bottom line approach to event impact
assessment. 6.2.1. Advancing the discourse ‘Event tourism’ represents a discourse with both academics
and practitioners contributing from two main poles (tourism/ events) and many specific event types
(conventions, sports, festivals, etc.). But the driving force is clearly tourism, because it is the travel
dimension and tourism impacts that bring these otherwise diverse communicants to the same table.
Accordingly, the themes and language used in the discourse are largely tourism-driven. Other parties
interested include policy makers (e.g., city planning, environmental conservation, cultural development)
and affected citizens. The first challenge is therefore to ensure some equality among the interests
represented. The literature review makes it clear that the prevailing theme, the written substance of
most of the event tourism discourse, concerns events as attractions and image-makers for destinations,
plus some lesser roles (catalyst, place marketing, animator). Within the events literature, these two
themes are also strong, but there is quite a separate interest in the design, production, management
and marketing of events that does not directly connect to tourism and economic issues. The two fields
can exist without each other, but find mutual benefit in advancing the events and tourism nexus. Events
have increasingly been produced, bid on and fostered for strategic reasons, the dominant one being
economic development. From a tourism and developmental perspective the big questions concern
competitiveness (e.g., how to use events more effectively, or win more bids), return on investment (not
all events have equal benefit, and different values have to be considered in the portfolio approach), or
sustainability (will their popularity endure; can they become self sufficient?) and risk (what do they cost;
what is the potential downside?) It has been recognized that environmental, social and cultural
dimensions of event impacts have been neglected. From a cultural perspective, many voices have
questioned whether tourism is good or appropriate for all events, and have coined the term
‘festivalization’ to describe how cities or destination exploit cultural events. From an environmental
perspective there are two major issues, the first being the costs and impacts of mega events, including
making them ‘greener’, and the second applying to tourism in general as a huge consumer of energy and
producer of pollution. The positivistic approaches standard to management, economics and other social
sciences will continue to be useful, but it is necessary to employ both qualitative and quantitative
methods. In particular, the experiential nature of travel and events requires phenomenological
approaches, including hermeneutics (the interpretation of texts, which can be the event itself), direct
and participant observation, in-depth interviews, and experiential sampling. Many more journals are
carrying event tourism articles. Several are devoted to the subject, and all tourism journals are potential
publishers. But interest from other disciplines is increasing the number of event tourism papers in
sociology, economics, marketing, and other mainstream publications. A broad range of methodologies
and methods drawn from foundation disciplines and closely related professional fields are appropriate
and necessary for creating knowledge and developing theory in event tourism.