Search Results (80)

Given that participating in or spectating sports events plays a vital role in enhancing individuals’ mental health, understanding the key factors that promote continued participation and attendance in sports events is of significant theoretical and practical importance within the context of sports tourism. From this perspective, the service quality of sports events and the image of the host destination have been identified as major determinants of sustained engagement among sports tourists. However, a review of the literature reveals that findings on the influence of sports event service quality and host destination image on the behavioral intentions of sports tourists have been inconsistent. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to employ a meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) approach to synthesize data from 39 independent studies comprising 16,335 participants, which were collected up to 30 September 2024, thereby providing generalizable conclusions. The results indicate that, first, host destination image is the most critical factor in enhancing visitor satisfaction. Additionally, the service quality of sports events significantly influences visitor satisfaction, which in turn impacts their future behavioral intentions. Second, tourist satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between event service quality and behavioral intentions, and it partially mediates the relationship between host destination image and behavioral intentions. Third, under the moderating effect of event scale (small scale vs. mega scale), host destination image and physical environment quality are more important in small-scale sports events than in mega-scale sports events. Furthermore, under the moderating effect of cultural context (Eastern vs. Western), service quality dimensions are more influential in Western cultural settings, whereas host destination image is more important in Eastern cultural settings. The significance of this study lies in its integration of previously disparate findings into a unified model, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the relationships among the variables. The results provide broad implications for future academic research and practical insights for sports tourism practitioners. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sports tourism, particularly international running events such as half marathons and marathons, has rapidly grown due to rising health consciousness and active lifestyles. Runners competing abroad face unique nutritional challenges that extend beyond physiological needs, including adaptation to local food cultures and psychosocial factors. This study aims to explore the nutritional difficulties encountered by international runners during competitions abroad, using participants of the Poznan Half Marathon 2025 as a case example. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 international runners from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ukraine. Participants had at least two years of experience competing internationally. Results: Four primary categories of nutritional challenges emerged: (1) quality and availability of food, (2) adaptation to local eating habits and physiological impacts, (3) hydration and access to appropriate fluids, and (4) logistical factors and the interactions between psychological stress, physical well-being, and nutritional choices. These factors influenced runners’ preparation, race-day performance, and recovery, highlighting the complexity of managing nutrition in unfamiliar environments. Conclusions: Nutritional challenges for international runners are multidimensional, requiring flexible and culturally sensitive nutritional strategies. Although these findings offer useful insights, they are based on a small, specific sample and should be generalized with caution. Further research is necessary to explore the broader applicability of the findings and their relevance to diverse athletic populations and contexts. Full article

The contribution of small-scale sporting events to tourism sustainable development in local communities has been well recognized in the literature. Small-scale running events in particular are essential in the promotion of sustainable tourism in the community due to their localized impact. Although research has largely focused on the demand side—including participants, spectators, and host communities—limited attention has been given to the supply side, particularly the perspectives of sport event organizers and their role in implementing sustainable practices. This study aims to address this gap and answer key research questions that concern the factors which contribute to the success of these events in relation to their economic, social, and environmental impacts through the lens of the events’ primary decision-makers, their organizers. This study employs an exploratory research method, conducting interviews with twenty-five organizers of diverse Greek running events that represent a variety of geographical contexts and event characteristics of the country, based on their long-standing presence. Findings contribute to sustainable sport tourism literature by developing a theoretical framework which encompasses the three dimensions of sustainability, highlighting inclusivity as a key component within the social dimension. Results indicate that organizers perceive their running events as having a positive economic impact and enhancing social cohesion. They are also aware of the potential environmental impact, like trail preservation, and consequently implement responsible measures to protect the environment. Organizers share a variety of specific strategies and practical suggestions aimed at improving the sustainability of running events, such as managing waste effectively or improving accessibility for diverse participants, offering transferable insights for other event planners and local authorities. This paper showcases the key role of organizers in developing partnerships to implement effective sustainable sport event practices in the destination. Full article

Motorsports tourism has a significant impact on host communities, especially when they are small communities. This research aims to segment the resident population of a very small rural municipality, Obejo, before the celebration of the Sierra Morena Rally in the province of Cordoba, Spain. The study is based on the principles of social exchange theory (SET) and the triple bottom line (TBL). In addition, it follows calls from the existing academic literature to explore a fourth dimension of impact perception, related to inclusion from the point of view of gender, age, and functional diversity. exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and non-hierarchical cluster analysis were used on a sample of 281 residents. A structure of four dimensions of impact perception is obtained: economic, social, environmental, and inclusive. Together, they explain just over 80% of the total variance. Three population segments are defined: motor enthusiasts, environmentally conscious fans, and admitted critics. This study underlines the need to expand the TBL framework with an inclusive dimension in motorsports tourism, emphasizing gender equality, intergenerational participation and functional diversity to foster more sustainable and socially cohesive events in rural areas. Full article

Seasonality, a defining characteristic of tourism, is recognized as a significant challenge for regional tourism, affecting local economies and limiting sustainable development. Among the various strategies that the literature suggests to alleviate its negative effects, the organization of events stands out. In particular, sport events have gained recognition as an essential element for all-year round tourism development. However, a deeper understanding of how tourism practitioners (those experiencing the personal and financial difficulties of seasonality) perceive the potential of sport events to smooth its challenges has not yet been explored enough. This study aims to fill this gap by examining tourism practitioners’ views on the role of sport events, particularly running ones, in mitigating tourism seasonality. To achieve this, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with tourism practitioners from selected regions of Greece who, as active stakeholders, shared their perspectives in the development of regional tourism through the year round. The data gathered from these interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis. The results indicate that most of the respondents recognize seasonality as a significant challenge and they share a common concern regarding its adverse effects on both regional tourism and on their local businesses. Themes of survival and sustainability emerged consistently, emphasizing the need to implement various initiatives, aside from sport events, to mitigate its effects. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion on seasonality, focusing on its economic and social implications, particularly from the perspective of tourism professionals. It also provides practical recommendations for destination managers on utilizing sport events as a tool for promoting tourism during off-season periods. Lastly, the findings highlight the need for localized and collaborative initiatives to address seasonality issues and support sustainable development. Full article

This study extends the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to examine behavioral intentions for attending on-site e-sports events during the COVID-19 pandemic, integrating perceived risk, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), and past behavior as contextual determinants. Specifically, it aims to identify effective strategies for maintaining event attendance intention despite unpredictable external shocks, thereby contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the event tourism industry. Using structural equation modeling, survey data from 415 Chinese League of Legends fans were analyzed to explore how pandemic-specific factors reshape traditional TPB frameworks in a sustainable tourism context. The findings revealed that NPIs (β = 0.368, p < 0.001), perceived behavioral control (β = 0.225, p < 0.001), and prior event attendance (β = 0.404, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of participation intent. In contrast, attitudes and subjective norms showed no significant influence, likely due to the homogeneous enthusiasm of the sampled Generation Z cohort. Notably, heightened perceived COVID-19 risk motivated attendees to adopt NPIs (e.g., masking, sanitization), indirectly bolstering participation intentions by alleviating safety concerns. Furthermore, frequent past attendance fostered habitual engagement, reducing reliance on deliberate decision-making. These insights advance the TPB and offer actionable strategies for event managers seeking sustainable solutions for maintaining participant engagement and economic resilience amid external disruptions. Full article

Sports events hold significant importance for host territories, influencing their economic, social, and environmental dynamics. These events generate diverse impacts that shape residents’ perceptions and subsequent support, which are crucial for ensuring long-term success. However, the study of motorsports, particularly rally events at the national championship level, remains underexplored, despite their capacity to attract tourism and foster regional development. This study adopts a quantitative approach, employing a survey of 753 responses collected during the urban track of the 2024 Sierra Morena Rally in Córdoba, Spain. Using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and non-hierarchical Cluster Analysis, residents were segmented based on their perceptions of impacts—touristic, economic, social, environmental, and urban—and their support for the event. The analysis identified three resident clusters: Reluctant Beneficiaries, Pragmatic Resigned, and Convinced Optimists. These groups exhibited varying levels of perceived positive and negative impacts, with significant differences in their support for the rally. The findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of resident perceptions and support for non-mega motorsports events, highlighting the importance of tailored communication strategies and anticipation of the impacts generated. This study addresses existing knowledge gaps by segmenting residents regarding their perception and support for a national-level urban rally event for the first time in the existing academic literature. Full article

Effective volunteer management in sports tourism events depends on understanding motivations, segmenting profiles, and fostering satisfaction to ensure continuity and event success. The purpose of this study was to examine volunteer motivation, investigate differences in motivation based on gender and age, and identify key predictors of the intention to continue volunteering. The sample consisted of 390 participants (199 men, 191 women) aged from 18 to 68 who volunteered for the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT) and completed a survey one week following the event. Seven motivational dimensions were assessed using a questionnaire: community participation, personal development, job opportunities, volunteering tradition, esteem, egoism, and personal experiences. The results show that community participation (4.00 ± 0.79) and personal experiences (3.62 ± 0.82) were the most valued motivations, while job opportunities were the least valued (2.04 ± 1.05). Gender differences were found in some dimensions, with women generally rating motivations higher, except for job opportunities. Age also influenced motivation, with younger participants (<35 years) showing higher ratings for most dimensions. A multiple linear regression analysis identified community participation (ß = 0.311; p < 0.001), personal experiences (ß = 0.289; p < 0.001), egoism (ß = −0.215; p = 0.006), volunteering tradition (ß = 0.126; p = 0.023), and age (ß = 0.133; p < 0.001) as significant predictors of the intention to repeat volunteering. The findings highlight the role of volunteers in promoting the event and the region as a sports tourism destination, emphasizing the importance of volunteer retention for event and destination success. Full article

This study adopts a mixed methods approach to investigate the realization process of value co-creation in participatory sports event tourism by examining the pathways linking predisposing factors, process factors, and outcome factors in event tourists’ value co-creation behaviors. The findings illuminate the unique dimensions of value co-creation in participatory sports event tourism. Governments and event organizers play a pivotal role by proposing value initiatives and fostering co-creation environments through proactive measures, thereby shaping the conditions conducive to co-creation behaviors among event tourists. Embedded in the value co-creation process, tourists’ behaviors are driven by the interplay of their intrinsic motivations and external environmental factors. Their co-creation activities follow patterns of interaction and resource integration, generating diverse experiential values. This study provides innovative strategies for value enhancement to event organizers and offers theoretical insights for governmental governance in sports tourism development. Full article

The growing awareness of economic, environmental, and social issues related to tourism highlights the need to identify innovative practices that promote sustainability in tourist destinations. This study investigates mega sporting events and their fundamental role in sustainable tourism; these events contribute to tourism promotion by regenerating and revitalizing host areas. However, the increasing demand for transparency in the management of public resources, aimed at ensuring the economic sustainability of the areas hosting these events, has heightened the focus on monitoring resource allocation. Beyond the use of technological innovations, it becomes essential to study the role of innovation in promoting sustainable tourism management practices to guarantee the economic sustainability of destinations hosting major sporting events. A key tool for planning tourism promotion and ensuring economic sustainability is undoubtedly economic impact analysis. Although numerous methods are available, the integration of multiple approaches enhances both the completeness and accuracy of such evaluations. This study proposes an innovative approach that combines different methods to provide a robust approach for economic impact analysis. This research validates the proposed approach through the analysis of two prestigious cycling competitions: the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. The proposed approach enables the identification of areas where targeted investments and strategic improvements can promote sustainable and long-term economic benefits for host regions. It can support decision-making processes to plan tourism promotion and ensure economic sustainability. Full article

Mass-participation sports events (MPSEs) are of significant value to the fields of sports, culture, and tourism. MPSEs have witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity, which has led to a complex interplay of factors influencing participants’ overall experience, making it crucial to understand the role of embodied behaviour. However, the existing literature is deficient in terms of providing substantial evidence, particularly with regard to the growing significance of experience planning as a core aspect of event design. This research employed the Guangzhou Marathon, one of the most renowned MPSEs in China, as a case study. The objective of this research is to investigate and extend the knowledge of the embodied behaviour of MPSE tourists through the mixed method of a questionnaire survey together with interviews. Furthermore, this research aimed to explore the antecedents and consequences of the embodied experience formation process. The findings demonstrated the pivotal role of the embodied experience in shaping tourist perceptions and subsequent intentions. Specifically, this research suggested that tourist behaviour with experience and attachment influenced the perceived value and cost of participation willingness through moderating and mediating effects. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge on sports tourism and behavioural studies and provide sustainable event management strategies. Full article

In the context of economic structural transformation and upgrading in the Yellow River Basin, this study explored the interaction between sports tourism and ecological civilization in the region. By constructing an indicator system for sports tourism and ecological civilization and applying the entropy weight method, coupling coordination model, and using the obstacle degree model, sports tourism development and ecological civilization construction in each province of the Yellow River Basin were quantitatively analyzed. The results revealed upward trends in both sports tourism and ecological civilization construction in the Yellow River Basin. According to the coupling coordination model, the most significant growth in coupling coordination degree has been observed in Sichuan, Gansu, Shaanxi, and Henan provinces, whereas Qinghai and Inner Mongolia have seen the least change in their coordination level. Government spending on sporting events and per capita water resources was identified as the main factors influencing the development of sports tourism and ecological civilization in the Yellow River Basin. Based on these findings, policy recommendations are proposed to promote the coordinated development of sports tourism and ecological civilization in the Yellow River Basin. Full article

This study examines the relationship between residents’ sports habits and their attitudes toward sustainable tourism in the rural region of Alt Urgell. Recognizing the importance of physical activity for health and well-being, this research aims to understand how regular participation in outdoor sports influences perceptions of sustainable tourism and how demographic factors moderate this relationship. A quantitative survey was conducted with a sample of 416 residents, achieving a 95% confidence level and a 4.8% margin of error. Inferential statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between sports habits and attitudes toward sustainable tourism. Results highlight slight differences in perception between genders, with men showing stronger support for community-driven economic initiatives. Variations based on years of residency were observed, with long-term residents expressing greater concern for sustainability. Participation in outdoor sports and attendance at sports events positively influenced perceptions of sustainable tourism. While some hypotheses were confirmed, others were rejected, indicating complexities in the relationship between sports habits and sustainable tourism perceptions. This study concludes by emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions and inclusive policies to promote sustainable development in the region and suggests directions for future research to further explore these dynamics. Full article

Motorsports have become a tourism resource for certain territories. Knowledge about the perception of impact and the support residents provide for their celebration contributes to ensuring their long-term success. The academic literature has so far focused on large-scale events, leaving a gap in knowledge regarding small-scale events. This study addresses the case of the Sierra Morena Rally in Córdoba, Spain. It is based on the principles of Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Social Representation Theory (SRT) to explore a gender bias in the perception of impact and support for the event. Using a sample of 753 residents, an Exploratory Factor Analysis is conducted, and Mann–Whitney U and Hedges’ G statistics are applied. The results confirm the existence of a gender bias in perception, which is discussed in the context of previous case studies. Full article

Recreational running, both on roads and in mountains, is one of the most practiced physical activities worldwide, and so, the motivations behind participating have been quite extensively described in the literature. However, the cultural and environmental motivations behind these athletes traveling to other countries or destinations to compete have not been properly addressed yet. The aim of this research is to analyze the motivations of sport tourists and to compare the motivations that cause mountain runners and city runners to compete. A cross-sectional study with a total of 244 athletes, divided into a group of city marathon runners (N = 118) and a group of mountain ultra-marathon runners (N = 126), was conducted. Athletes completed the Sports Tourism Motivation Scale (STMS), composed of 37 items and nine dimensions, through an online survey. Participants were asked questions related to their age, running experience, distance to events, numbers of nights in hotels and volunteering. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in four out of the nine dimensions of the STMS between city and mountain runners’ motivations and, likewise, statistical differences were found in some dimensions of the scale related to participants’ sex, age, running experience, numbers of nights in a hotel, travel distance and volunteering. In conclusion, the reasons why runners participate in mountain and city running events are different; likewise, some sociodemographic variables should be taken into account when organizing such sporting events in a sustainable way, in order to provide organizers with the most suitable information and attract the most participants. Full article