Sport events and local communities: a partnership for placemaking

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the impacts of sports events, considering these: from the perspectives of residents (in terms of self-esteem, increase of social problems, car traffic, cultural self-development and entertainment); and for the host territory (in terms of economic development, price level, destination image and environment). The paper analyzes the case study of a hallmark event of the European Rally Championship – the Azores Rally. Design/methodology/approach During the Azores Rally of 2014, 669 inhabitants on São Miguel Island answered a survey. The questionnaire assessed 12 items that are ex ante quality of life (QOL) indicators, ten items of event attributes and overall satisfaction with the event and nine items of event impact perceptions. Findings The satisfaction with the event is positively influenced by the host destination’s overall QOL, particularly by the entertainment and local gastronomy and is reinforced by the event-management mix. On other hand, the QOL attributes rather than the event performance indicators determine the perceptions of the promotion of image destination and economic development. The event spectacle level has a particular influence on the residents’ self-esteem. Practical implications The paper discusses the implications for public decision-makers, tour operators and event managers, focusing on the community as an important driver for placemaking. Social implications This type of event has an impact on residents’ self-esteem, thus enhancing their QOL and hospitality. Originality/value This study supports the role of a peripheral island’s community as an active stakeholder, which interacts with the event organization’s key success factors.

Investigating residents’ attitudes of 2016 Olympic Games

“…is hosting a mega event (Custódio, Azevedo and Perna, 2018). Moreover, community pride and national identity are strong social positive aspects and normally grow before and during mega events such as the Olympic Games.…”

“…). For instance, negative social impacts of congestion and disruption of lifestyle are difficult to quantify (Custódio, Azevedo and Perna, 2018). Second, social, cultural and environmental effects are more subjective and unclear in the human mind and human beings tend to be relatively neutral, which translates into less variability and weak relationships with the overall attitudes (Qi et.…”

“…It is critical to understand residents' perceptions as an indicator, including a general need for social impact assessment and also for the integration of mega events with sustainability elements (Zhou and Ap, 2009). Residents are generally in favor of mega events that contribute socially, economically and environmentally to a given destination (Cust odio et al, 2018;Deccio and Baloglu, 2002).…”

“…It is critical to understand residents' perceptions as an indicator including a general need for social impact assessment and also for the integration of megaevents with sustainability elements (Zhou and Ap, 2009). Residents are generally in favor of mega events that contribute socially, economically and environmentally to a given destination (Custódio, Azevedo and Perna, 2018;Deccio and Baloglu, 2002). From theoretical perspective, there is limited research investigating the residents' attitudes and support of mega events considering the perspectives of those residing in a host city and a non-host city at the same time.…”

Levada walks and canyoning as mountain sport products in nature tourism

“…For local municipalities, sport events and other sports services create a potential connection between visiting and visited communities with significant benefits for the local identity (Perić, 2018), pride, residents' self-esteem (Custódio, Azevedo, & Perna, 2018) and sustainable development through sports and social change (Chalip, 2006;Perna, Custódio, & Oliveira, 2019). This vision favours the sustainable development of natural and sociocultural features as the strong points of tourism strategy.…”