Do host and non-host city stakeholders see the same things? Examination of sport event impacts for host destinations

Abstract

Stakeholder attitudes towards the impact of sporting events are crucial to the success of the event. Despite extensive research on the perceptions of host stakeholders, the attitudes of non-host stakeholders have not yet been sufficiently researched. Based on empirical data collected in the two Croatian cities of Poreč and Zagreb, which hosted international triathlon and skiing events in October 2022 and January 2023, this study examines the perceived impact of these events on host destinations from the perspective of host and non-host residents and organizers. The exploratory factor analysis revealed six dimensions of impact. Compared to host city residents, non-host city residents tend to exaggerate both the positive and negative impacts of the event. Organizers from the host city see events as an opportunity for the local economy but feel pressured by the burdensome organizational costs. This study contributes to a better understanding of the wider social, economic, and environmental impacts of sporting events. Understanding the underlying differences in perceptions of the impacts of sporting events is crucial for developing more informed strategies for the organization of sports tourism events.