The Influence of Small-Scale Sporting Events on Participants’ Intentions to Recommend the Host City

Abstract

Tourism, including sports tourism, is an important driver of social and economic development. Sports tourism events, and small-scale sporting events in particular, are a powerful resource for promoting tourism in the host city, as a viable way of developing sustainable tourism in the local community. This study aims to analyse the impact of functional quality, outcome quality, satisfaction, and perceived value on intentions to recommend the host city among participants in a small-scale sporting event. A total of 866 runners in a 21-km recreational race participated in this study. A multi-item scale was used and a confirmatory factor analysis of the model was carried out, and the presence of gender differences in the relationships was ascertained using a multigroup analysis. The results revealed a direct effect of functional quality and satisfaction, and an indirect effect of outcome quality and value on intentions to recommend the city. Intention to recommend the city and functional quality showed differences between males and females. In conclusion, managing quality is a key strategy in encouraging participants in small-scale sporting events to recommend the host city.

sport tourism and regional economic development

“…Additionally, Tsekouropoulos et al ( 2022), Tzoumaka et al (2022), Kozhokulov et al (2019), andPerić (2018) establish a clear link between sports tourism and economic impact, showcasing the potential for revenue generation, job creation, and infrastructure development in host regions. Furthermore, Duglio & Beltramo (2017), Morfoulaki et al (2023), Gibson et al (2003), andFernández-Martínez et al (2022) illustrate that even small-scale sport events can significantly boost local business activity and tourism, emphasizing their economic significance. Conversely, Tomino et al (2020), Vilakazi et al (2014), Emery (2002), and Preuss (2006) shed light on the economic impact of mega sports events, such as the FIFA World Cup, which, while offering substantial economic benefits, also pose challenges such as high infrastructure costs and long-term sustainability concerns.…”

“…Line of research covered by the studies reviewed for this paper. Duglio & Beltramo (2017), Morfoulaki et al (2023), Duglio & Beltramo (2017), Gibson et al, 2003, Fernández-Martínez et al (2022, Gibson et al, 2003. Assess the economic impact of large-scale or megasport events on the host region, taking into account the scale, investments, and crowd management. Tomino et al, 2020, Vilakazi et al (2014, Emery, 2002, Preuss, 2006 Examine the actual tourism influx numbers during the FIFA World Cup 2010 and identify the factors contributing to deviations from expected values, offering insights into event-specific challenges and opportunities.…”

“…The findings of Duglio & Beltramo (2017) are situated among the studies indicating that hosting international small-scale sports events can enhance the reputation of the destination and yield economic benefits for the local community. This perspective finds further support from Fernández-Martínez et al (2022), who contend that organizing small-and medium-sized sports events, such as the Media Maratón Ciudad de Granada (Granada Half Marathon), can serve as an effective strategy for promoting sustainable tourism within the local community. Sustainable tourism, as espoused by the authors, takes into account a range of factors,…”

“…An opposing perspective questions the unquestionable positive influence of such events, as argued by Fernández-Martínez et al (2022). One pressing issue raised by this study pertains to the costs incurred when hosting small-scale sporting events.…”

“…Numerous studies, including works by Duglio & Beltramo (2017), Morfoulaki et al (2023), Duglio & Beltramo (2017), Gibson et al, 2003, Fernández-Martínez et al (2022, have conducted comprehensive analyses of the potential benefits that small-scale sports events bring to host destinations.…”