The perceptions of host-city residents of the impact of mega-events and their support: the EXPO 2020 in Dubai

Abstract

Events tourism has been growing rapidly and has become one of the most common ways of attracting tourists to developing destinations. Hosting mega-events has become a means to achieve rapid development in a destination. Host-city residents are the first to feel the impact of hosting such events and are considered as key stakeholders. Results from a survey distributed in Dubai revealed that residents supported the upcoming EXPO 2020 event, with little concern for the potential associated costsa result contradicting a lot of literature. The results provide guidance for policy makers regarding host-city residents' perceptions on hosting events.

Socio-economic effects of trade fairs on host cities from a citizens' perspective: The case of Thessaloniki, Greece

“…This research finding contrasts evidence provided by recent studies on the importance of negative externalities of trade fair activity (Fredline et al , 2005; Mensah, 2012). However, the research findings of this paper concur with the results of other studies indicating that residents of the host cities support trade fairs without being significantly concerned about environmental implications, including traffic congestion and air pollution (Al Hallaq et al , 2021).…”

“…As with any event that attracts a large number of visitors to a relatively small area in a short period of time, disturbance is likely to be a result of increased traffic, noise and crowding, while a higher level of pressure can be placed on the natural and human environment (Fredline et al, 2005). However, Al Hallaq et al (2021) show that residents in some cases support the events without being concerned about negative implications, such as increased traffic. Moreover, any excess supply created during the preparation phase needs to be eliminated after the end of the trade fair; otherwise, the region may face economic recession (Aydogus et al, 2015).…”

Exploring the relevance of Social Exchange Theory in the Middle East: A case study of tourism in Dubai, UAE

“…SET predicts that positive perceptions of tourism impacts can translate into positive opinions of tourism and support for tourism (Ap, 1992; Látková & Vogt, 2012; Pizam, 1978). However, it is unclear how generalisable the theory is in different international contexts, suggesting that further empirical research is needed (Al Hallaq et al, 2020;Olya, 2020; Olya & Gavilyan, 2016). SET measures actions that are based upon a rewarding reaction from others (Emerson, 1976) to provide economic analysis of non‐economic situations (Homans, 1974).…”

“…If residents differentiate between tourism and tourists, it is also possible that they differentiate between types of impact. Economic impacts, for example, may be seen as more significant, whilst social impacts may be less so (see Al Hallaq et al, 2020). Negative perceptions of "less important" impacts will not counter-act positive perceptions from "more important" impacts.…”

Involvement with the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the values of sport

“…Recent studies have shown that involvement with mega-events can affect attitudes toward the event (e.g. satisfaction, support) (Al Hallaq et al, 2020;Davies & Jaimangal-Jones, 2020). Other studies have shown that involvement with a product can affect attitudes toward values.…”