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Tourism Event and Management

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A special issue of Tourism and Hospitality (ISSN 2673-5768).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2026) | Viewed by 17304

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Tatjana D. Pivac

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Guest Editor

Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Interests: cultural tourism; event management; cultural heritage; wine tourism; selective forms of tourism; cultural policy; creative industries
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Marija Bratić

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Guest Editor

Department of Geography and Tourism, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
Interests: cultural tourism; event management; cultural heritage; selective forms of tourism; rural tourism; mountain tourism; spa tourism; destination management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Tourism events play an important role in the tourism industry, as they often serve as key attractions that draw visitors and generate economic benefits for host destinations. They can be a catalyst for local economic growth by creating jobs, driving tourism-related businesses, and stimulating demand for accommodation, transportation, and other services. Additionally, tourism events often highlight the cultural and historical significance of a location, contributing to the preservation and promotion of local traditions and heritage. The organization of successful events requires careful planning and a strategic approach to ensure a positive economic, social, and environmental impact.

The Special Issue will focus on the evolving practices and strategies within the tourism event sector, offering valuable insights for both academics and industry professionals. As the tourism industry increasingly relies on events to attract visitors, understanding the complexity of event management has become crucial for sustainability and success. Special emphasis will be placed on innovative approaches to event organization, as well as on the integration of digital technologies and sustainable practices in the planning and implementation process.

We invite potential authors to contribute research that examines the strategies, practices, challenges, innovations, trends, and outcomes of managing tourism events, whether they are large-scale international festivals, local cultural gatherings, or niche experiences. The issue will focus on key aspects such as event design, marketing, sustainability, and the socio-economic impacts of tourism events on host communities. Additionally, special attention will be given to the role of digital transformation and the application of smart solutions in the organization and promotion of events.

Possible Topics:

Event planning, design, and logistics in tourism;
Marketing in events tourism;
Technology in event management;
Sustainable practices in tourism events;
The impact of tourism events on local economies;
Crisis management in tourism events;
Community involvement in tourism events;
Economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism events;
Case studies of successful tourism events;
Digital Transformation and Smart Technology in Tourism Events;
Innovative Approaches in the Organization and Promotion of Tourism Events;
Cultural Policy and Its Impact on the Development of Tourism Events.

With these studies, we aim to encourage academic and professional discussions on the future of tourism events, their impact on destinations, and ways to improve practices to ensure the long-term sustainable development of the sector.

Prof. Dr. Tatjana D. Pivac
Dr. Marija Bratić
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Tourism and Hospitality is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

event
tourism
management
sustainability
impact
planning

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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30 pages, 1119 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Tools and Rural Tourism Competitiveness Under Conditions of Tourism Disruption: Evidence from Consumer Perspectives

by Baiba Rivza, Inita Kindzule-Millere, Laura Pole, Sandija Zeverte-Rivza, Gunta Grinberga-Zalite, Ksenija Furmanova and Liga Paula

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(5), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7050133 - 7 May 2026

Viewed by 219

Abstract

Tourism is highly exposed to external shocks such as pandemics, geopolitical instability, and security-related disruptions, which particularly affect small and rural enterprises. Although digital tools are frequently discussed as mechanisms supporting tourism competitiveness under conditions of tourism disruption, consumer-centred evidence remains limited. This study examines how consumers in Latvia evaluate digital tools and which factors they associate with rural tourism competitiveness and improvement priorities. The study is guided by a conceptual framework in which digital tools function as intermediary mechanisms linking conditions of tourism disruption to rural tourism competitiveness through consumer perceptions of accessibility, convenience, and trust. A mixed-methods CATI survey (N = 1004) was conducted in February–April 2025, combining statistical analysis of closed-ended responses with thematic analysis of consumer-defined competitiveness and improvement priorities derived from open-ended questions. The results show that age is the main factor differentiating evaluations of digital tools, while regional and settlement-type differences remain weak. Online booking and digital payments are valued across all age groups, whereas tools such as virtual tours show stronger age-related variation. When discussing competitiveness, respondents most frequently refer to institutional conditions, promotion, pricing, and digital tools as key competitiveness dimensions. However, when identifying improvements, priorities shift toward diversification of tourism offers and physical accessibility. Digital tools remain important and are primarily associated with practical functions such as booking, payments, information access, and online visibility that make rural tourism offers easier to find and use. The findings highlight the growing role of digital accessibility and information transparency as foundational conditions for rural tourism competitiveness under conditions of tourism disruption and uncertainty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Event and Management)

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31 pages, 5297 KB

Open AccessArticle

Putting Emotion on the Map: Comparing Methods at Fort Tourism Events

by Ondrej Mitas, Tamara Surla, Jelena Farkic, Ben Wielenga, Peter Ward and Alinda Kokkinou

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7040098 - 2 Apr 2026

Viewed by 763

Abstract

Understanding and managing tourism event experiences requires insight into how emotions unfold across space. Drawing on constructed emotion theory, this study advanced both theoretical and methodological knowledge by comparing three spatial emotion mapping approaches. Namely, we applied experience reconstruction maps, emotion physiology maps, and emotion effectiveness maps to visitor experiences of two events at nature-based fort settings in the Netherlands. Using intercept sampling (N = 98), we combined questionnaires with GPS tracking and skin conductance measurement to collect location-resolved emotional data. The resulting maps revealed markedly different spatial emotion patterns, reflecting distinct emotional components: physiological arousal and recalled or reconstructed emotional arousal and valence. Studies which map emotions have usually not accounted for within-individual autocorrelation. Our multilevel statistical models, in contrast, did account for this. The difference in emotion ranking of AOI raised questions about the validity of previous emotion mapping efforts. We extended constructed emotion theory to spatial analysis, demonstrated the limits of current mapping methods, and argued in favor of controlling for autocorrelation for robust spatial emotion research. Our findings can provide methodological guidance for researchers and event managers, and can lay the groundwork for future innovations that integrate physiological, self-reported, and spatial data for sustainable tourism event management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Event and Management)

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18 pages, 914 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Representation of Luxury Wine Hotels on the Social Network Facebook

by Diana Cabeça, Carlos Afonso, Manuel Serra and Célia M.Q. Ramos

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7020049 - 14 Feb 2026

Viewed by 908

Abstract

Social networks are now integral to corporate strategy and daily social life. They enable the rapid and extensive dissemination of information, proving highly effective for promoting hotel marketing content. Consequently, they facilitate interaction and engagement between hotels and their customers, serving both advertising and evaluation purposes. This study aims to analyse the use of the Facebook social network by luxury wine hotels located in countries associated with the Mediterranean Diet. An analytical model examining the variables of content, interactivity, and visibility was employed. A total of 17 luxury hotel pages were analysed, with data collected using the Karma Fanpage platform, an online tool for social media analysis and monitoring. The findings indicate that the majority of profile posts were photographs, and that this format generated the highest number of user reactions. It is recommended that hotels publish more photographic content to foster greater engagement and conduct further analysis of the specific types of posts that elicit the most reactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Event and Management)

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15 pages, 663 KB

Open AccessArticle

Willingness to Pay More for Green Events: A Behavioral Perspective from Serbia

by Vanja Pavluković, Anđela Bučić and Marija Bojić

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7020047 - 13 Feb 2026

Viewed by 889

Abstract

This study investigates the antecedents of consumers’ willingness to pay more for sustainable (green) events, applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in the context of Serbia, a developing non-Western economy. Using survey data from event attendees, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to identify empirically supported dimensions underlying the original TPB-related constructs. Four factors emerged: Integrated Behavioral Orientation toward Green Events, Preferences for Green Events, Subjective Norms and Perceived Behavioral Control, and Attitudes toward Green Events. Regression analyses show that Subjective Norms and Perceived Behavioral Control and Preferences for Green Events are the strongest predictors of willingness to pay more, while Integrated Behavioral Orientation has a weaker but significant effect. In contrast, Attitudes toward Green Events did not significantly influence willingness to pay, suggesting that positive attitudes alone are insufficient without supportive social norms, perceived control, or strong personal preferences. These findings also highlight the importance of social influence, perceived control, and individual preferences in shaping consumers’ financial support for green events. The study provides an empirically grounded framework for understanding willingness to pay in green event contexts beyond Western settings and offers practical guidance for organizers seeking to enhance participation and investment in sustainable practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Event and Management)

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22 pages, 2076 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tourism Competitiveness and Cultural Resources in the EU: Travel and Tourism Development Index-Based Analysis

by Vanda Maráková and Branislav Očkaik

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7020032 - 28 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1336

Abstract

Cultural heritage is central to tourism competitiveness, yet its role as a competitive asset remains unclear in many heritage-rich destinations. This paper uses the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) as a proxy framework to examine cultural resource intensity and indicators associated with event-related activation capacity in relation to tourism performance across EU member states. Through cluster analysis, we identify cultural resource profiles, and via regression-based normalization, we evaluate tourism performance while controlling for population size and cultural intensity. Within the TTDI, cultural activation is captured indirectly through indicators which capture the intensity and structural capacity of cultural assets relevant for tourism performance, treating events as channels that transform cultural endowments into measurable tourism outcomes. This method allows the identification of systematic patterns of relative over- and under-performance. The findings reveal a competitiveness paradox: destinations with abundant cultural assets lead in absolute tourism volumes, but those with more modest cultural stocks often exceed expectations once scale is considered. Some destinations with fewer yet more effectively used cultural resources perform above expectations, suggesting that observed competitiveness is more closely associated with the effective activation of cultural assets than on sheer cultural richness. The paper also shows that regression-based normalization is methodologically valuable for exposing structural competitiveness differences that per capita indicators can obscure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Event and Management)

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22 pages, 904 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Dancing with the Algorithm: Gen Z’s Social Media Practices on TikTok and Instagram and Their Influence on Music Festival Experiences

by Anđelina Marić Stanković, Jovana Vuletić, Milan Miletić, Marija Bratić and Ninoslav Golubović

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7010027 - 22 Jan 2026

Viewed by 5968

Abstract

This study examines how Generation Z’s digital practices on TikTok and Instagram shape their music festival experiences, focusing on event perception, engagement, and the development of collective identity. The aim is to identify key factors connecting online and offline aspects of festival participation. The research adopts a quantitative approach based on an online survey of 248 respondents born between 1995 and 2010 from various regions of Serbia. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26.0 using Spearman correlation, quantile regression, and the Mann–Whitney test. Given the exploratory nature of the study, the findings should be interpreted accordingly. Findings show that frequent social media use has a positive but limited effect on how important these platforms are perceived for the festival experience. However, user-generated content created by attendees plays a more significant role in shaping engagement and attitudes than influencer content. Influencer credibility also influences how festivals are interpreted digitally. The interplay between online interaction and offline participation motivates content sharing and reinforces a sense of community. Overall, the study concludes that social media and digital narratives are central to Generation Z’s festival experience. Authentic, attendee-created content strongly contributes to collective identity, helping bridge digital and physical dimensions—insights valuable for festival organizers, influencers, and cultural tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Event and Management)

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27 pages, 1042 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Inclusion Matters: An Academic Call for Considering Inclusivity in Motivation-Based Research on Running Events, the Case of the Half-Marathon of Elche, Spain

by José E. Ramos-Ruiz, José M. Cerezo-López, Paula C. Ferreira-Gomes and David Algaba-Navarro

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7010017 - 8 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1176

Abstract

Participation in running events has expanded worldwide, consolidating itself as a form of active leisure and a driver of social and tourism engagement. Although runners’ motivations have been extensively studied, perceived inclusivity, understood as motivation derived from the event’s promotion of equitable participation across gender, age and functional ability, has rarely been examined as a distinct motivational dimension within structural models. This study analyses the motivational structure of participants in the Elche Half Marathon (Spain) and assesses the incremental contribution of inclusivity to traditional motivational frameworks. Based on a sample of 1053 valid responses, a two-stage psychometric and segmentation approach was applied. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted to compare a four-factor model (sport-related hedonism, competition, socialization and digital socialization) with an extended five-factor model incorporating inclusivity. Subsequently, cluster analyses were performed using factor scores derived from each model. The results show that the inclusion of inclusivity improves model fit and increases explained variance, while also generating a more differentiated segmentation structure. The extended model revealed six motivational profiles, some of which displayed continuity with the classical solution, while others were reconfigured when inclusivity was introduced. Overall, the findings indicate that inclusivity functions as a complementary and context-dependent motivational dimension that refines the understanding of participation heterogeneity in running events. Rather than replacing traditional motives, inclusivity contributes incremental explanatory value and enhances the identification of motivational profiles, offering relevant insights for the design and management of mass-participation sporting events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Event and Management)

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20 pages, 388 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cars Racing, People Gazing: Residents’ Perception During the Sierra Morena Rally at Its First European Rally Championship Edition

by José E. Ramos-Ruiz, M. Ángel Alcaide-Sillero, Paula C. Ferreira-Gomes and David Algaba-Navarro

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(5), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6050234 - 6 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1648

Abstract

The analysis of perceived impacts of sporting events and sport tourism is a growing research field. The Sierra Morena Rally, held in Córdoba, Spain, and included for the first time in the European Rally Championship (ERC) in 2025, provides an opportunity to examine residents’ perceptions of both positive and negative effects. This study aims to identify profiles of perception and support towards the event. The theoretical framework integrates the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), Social Exchange Theory (SET), and Social Representations Theory (SRT). Based on 479 valid surveys collected during the rally, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified five factors of perceived impact: positive economic–social, positive environmental, negative economic, negative social, and negative environmental. A non-hierarchical k-means cluster analysis revealed four distinct groups: Critics, who emphasize negative impacts; Enthusiasts, focused on economic–social benefits; Pragmatic Supporters, showing balanced but conditional support; and Supporters Environmentally Concerned, combining favorable views with ecological awareness. The results confirm the heterogeneity of residents’ perceptions and align with previous findings in the literature of motorsport events. Overall, the study contributes to understanding the social sustainability of rally events and highlights the importance of incorporating perceptual diversity into their management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Event and Management)

19 pages, 3464 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tourism, Design and Climate Change: The Urban Glaciology Experiment at Fuorisalone 2024 Event

by Antonella Senese, Cecilia D. Almagioni, Davide Fugazza, Blanka Barbagallo, Lorenzo Cresi, Maurizio Maugeri and Guglielmina A. Diolaiuti

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(4), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6040168 - 4 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1192

Abstract

Glacier retreat due to climate change is accelerating worldwide, yet the phenomenon remains abstract for many people, especially those unfamiliar with mountain environments. The Urban Glaciology experiment, conducted during Milan’s internationally renowned “Fuorisalone” 2024 design event, aimed to bridge this perceptual gap by simulating real glacier melt processes in a busy urban square. Three large ice blocks with contrasting surface conditions (i.e., clean, dirty, and debris-covered) were exposed to springtime urban temperatures, mimicking conditions found on Alpine glaciers during summer. Over one week, the blocks produced a total of 748 L of meltwater, with dirty ice melting up to four times faster than debris-covered ice, consistent with established albedo effects. These results confirmed the thermal analogy between Milan’s spring conditions (+15 to +20 °C) and the ablation season on Alpine glaciers. Visitors observed the differential melting in real time, supported by visual indicators, explanatory panels, immersive virtual experiences, and direct interaction with researchers and students. Informal interviews indicated that more than 60% of participants reported a perceptual shift, recognizing for the first time that urban temperatures can replicate glacier melting conditions. By embedding a science-based installation in a major cultural tourism event, the experiment reached a diverse, non-traditional audience—including tourists, designers, and citizens—and encouraged reflection on the implications of glacier loss. The success of this initiative highlights the potential of replicating similar models in other cities to raise awareness of environmental change through culturally engaging experiences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Event and Management)

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Review

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34 pages, 1687 KB

Open AccessReview

Metaverse Festivals Beyond Overtourism: Digital Transformation of Cultural Events Towards Accessibility, Cultural Engagement and Sustainable Tourism Policy

by Nansy Kouroupi

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7020041 - 9 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1386

Abstract

Cultural festivals have long been anchored in co-located, resource-intensive events, which increasingly raises questions about who can participate, at what environmental cost and with what consequences for cultural integrity in destinations facing overtourism. This paper examines how metaverse-based, metaverse-adjacent and hybrid festival configurations may reconfigure festival tourism by reshaping accessibility, cultural engagement and environmental performance, and considers the implications for governance and policy. Drawing on a narrative literature review of academic and institutional sources published mainly between 2010 and 2025, it synthesises work on digital transformation, virtual and hybrid events, accessible tourism, digital inequality, overtourism and sustainable festival management. The paper offers a structured, critically informed synthesis and a set of propositions intended to guide future empirical and theoretical research on metaverse applications in tourism and hospitality. The review suggests that “metaverse-based” festivals can ease geographical, financial and some physical constraints for some groups, widen participation for underserved groups and support new forms of cultural preservation and co-creation, while also risking deeper digital inequalities and renewed concerns about cultural commodification, data governance and authenticity. Environmentally, virtual participation may reduce travel-related emissions and local crowding when it substitutes for physical attendance, while shifting impacts towards energy-intensive digital infrastructures and device lifecycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Event and Management)

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