Hallmark Sporting Events as a Vehicle for Promoting the Sustainable Development of Regional Tourism: Strategic Perspectives from Stakeholders

Abstract

Although hosting sporting events has received considerable attention and the important connection between sporting events and urban development has been highlighted, most studies have focused on mega sporting events, and the controversy around the benefits of hosting mega sporting events is also increasing. To promote regional sport tourism, this study explores the strategic perspectives of stakeholders on hosting hallmark sporting events for the regional development of sport tourism. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 representatives from stakeholder groups to discuss the role and essence of hallmark sporting events in promoting regional tourism. Archival material, including event organizing documents and information, was used to enhance the reliability of the qualitative analysis. Four strategic perspectives are proposed to illustrate the inter-relationships between hallmark sporting events and the sustainable development of regional tourism. These perspectives can be used as a management procedure to improve event operations for event managers. This study’s main contribution is the proposal of development goals and proper execution processes for hosting hallmark sporting events for the sustainable development of regional tourism, and the cultivation of effective synergy between local business activities and stakeholders.