Event tourism is a type of tourism that involves attending or participating in an event that takes place outside of one’s usual environment. The events can range from cultural festivals, music concerts, sporting events, conferences, and trade shows.
The primary goal of event tourism is to attract visitors to a particular destination and create a memorable experience for them. In this article, we will explore the four goals of event tourism in detail.
Goal 1: Economic Impact
One of the primary goals of event tourism is to generate economic impact for the host destination. This can be achieved through various means such as visitor spending, job creation, increased tax revenue, and business opportunities.
When visitors attend an event in a particular destination, they spend money on accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, and other activities. This spending creates jobs in the local economy and generates additional tax revenue for the government.
Example:
The annual Oktoberfest festival in Munich, Germany attracts millions of visitors each year. According to a study by Munich’s Department of Labor and Economy, the festival generates over 1 billion euros in revenue for the city.
Goal 2: Social Impact
Another goal of event tourism is to create social impact for the host destination. This can be achieved through cultural exchange and community engagement activities that promote social cohesion and understanding between different cultures. Events provide an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to come together and share their experiences.
The Notting Hill Carnival in London is Europe’s largest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture with over 1 million attendees each year. The event promotes cultural exchange between Caribbean communities and other cultures while also providing an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products.
Goal 3: Environmental Impact
Event tourism also aims to minimize its environmental impact on the host destination through sustainable practices such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and carbon offsetting. Events can have a significant impact on the environment, and it’s essential that organizers take steps to minimize their impact.
The Glastonbury Festival in the UK is known for its commitment to sustainability. The festival has implemented various measures such as recycling facilities, composting toilets, and renewable energy sources to reduce its environmental impact.
Goal 4: Educational Impact
Finally, event tourism aims to create an educational impact for visitors by providing them with new experiences and learning opportunities. Events can be an excellent way for visitors to learn about different cultures, industries, and topics.
The World Economic Forum in Davos is an annual event that brings together leaders from various industries and countries to discuss global issues. The event provides attendees with a unique opportunity to learn from experts in their respective fields and gain new insights into global challenges.
- In conclusion,
Event tourism has become increasingly popular over the years as more people seek unique experiences outside of their usual environment. The four goals of event tourism – economic impact, social impact, environmental impact and educational impact – provide a framework for organizers to plan events that are not only successful but also have a positive impact on the host destination. By considering these goals when planning events, organizers can ensure that they create experiences that are memorable, sustainable, and beneficial for both visitors and locals alike.