THE IMPACT OF SPORTS EVENTS IN TOURISM INDUSTRY
A CASE STUDY OF A POTENTIAL F1 GRAND PRIX IN GREECE

Aim and Objectives

Rationale of my choice:
McCartney argues that sporting events can operate as a useful communication tool in order to improve the visitors’ awareness and as an attraction to a destination (McCartney, 2005). As a result, sport events can play an essential role to the substantial touristic development of a country. Generally, it is very interesting to understand and evaluate the role of sport events in tourism industry. In addition, the touristic product of Greece is characterised by the 3S (sun, sand, sea). The aforementioned elements are worth to be examined in contradiction with the fact that sport tourism in Greece has not developed yet, in order to investigate further how a sport event like F1 can influence the already offered touristic product. Taking into consideration that Greece faces huge problems due to the economical crisis, the fundamental question is if Greece can overcome these huge economic problems by hosting a sporting event like F1 grand prix.

Aim:
The purpose of this study is to prove how a sport event like formula 1 influences the touristic demand. This target will be approved through the research of up to date literature review, from the examination of relevant case studies from countries which have hosted huge sporting events and from the analysis of primary data. Furthermore, the reasons for which this target might fail will be examined. The main objectives of this research are:

➢ To indentify the relation between sporting events and tourism ➢ To examine in which degree a potential F1 grand prix will help the promotion of Greek tourism ➢ To evaluate in which way this new touristic product will be promoted in order to enhance the already offered touristic package

INTRODUCTION

Terms Defined:

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