Expanded Summary

10.36172/EKONOMISTI.2023.XIX.03.AYTAKIN.AKHUNDOVA

Event tourism is one of the most rapidly developing segments of the tourism industry. It brings together people who seek to attend events and gatherings in different parts of the world to enjoy a unique experience and create unforgettable memories. Moreover, event tourism provides tourists with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the event and get acquainted with local culture and traditions. The distinct feature of this type of tourism is its inexhaustible content, with new events becoming regular fixtures each year, evolving from being one-off occurrences.

However, despite the widespread popularity of event tourism, its establishment and growth depend on various factors that interact and influence its success. These factors encompass a wide range of aspects, including the development of cultural and entertainment industries, infrastructure, marketing efforts, cooperation and partnerships, transportation links, and government support. Understanding these factors and their impact on event tourism is a key aspect of planning and developing tourist destinations.

Key factors influencing the development of event tourism are considered to be economic, socio-cultural, ecological, demographic, political, and technological aspects. Additionally, the competitive environment, marketing and promotion, government support, infrastructure development, cooperation and partnerships, and transportation linkages are crucial factors as well.

All these aforementioned factors are interconnected and influence the attraction of tourists and the successful formation of event tourism. Furthermore, it is essential to emphasize that the factors influencing the establishment of event tourism may vary depending on the region and its specific characteristics. Particularly, in cities with rich historical and cultural heritage, organizing thematic festivals and celebrations can become significant factors in engaging tourists. Proper understanding and consideration of these factors will help improve event tourism, and effective use of resources and collaboration between stakeholders will contribute to its successful development and the attraction of a substantial number of travelers.

As of today, Barcelona has become a leader in the development of event tourism, driven by various factors that positively influenced its establishment and formation. The city hosts a wide range of unique events that attract numerous tourists from all over the world. 

Undoubtedly, the richness and diversity of the cultural and historical heritage are attractive factors for tourists visiting Barcelona. The city is renowned for its abundant and diverse cultural heritage, including architectural masterpieces by Antoni Gaudi, the Güell Palace, museums, galleries, and traditional cultural festivals. Another important factor is infrastructure development. Barcelona has invested significant resources in developing hotel accommodations, restaurants, conference halls, and sports facilities. The presence of modern, comfortable, and conveniently located facilities allows event

It is also worth mentioning the 1992 Olympic Games, which played a pivotal role in Barcelona's emergence as an event tourism destination. Organizing this grand sporting event led to the development of hotel and transportation infrastructure, construction of new sports facilities, and international attention being drawn to the city. After the Olympics, Barcelona became a popular venue for sports competitions, concerts, and other cultural events. Over the years since the Olympic Games, the motivation for trips to Barcelona has significantly changed. In 1990, 69.1% of trips were made for business and professional purposes, while 22.7% were for leisure and entertainment. By 2016, the situation had almost reversed, with 55.9% of trips being for leisure and 36.0% for business purposes.

Furthermore, transportation infrastructure and the city's accessibility play an important role in the successful hosting of event tourism. Thanks to the development of the airport, public transportation, convenient transportation links, and high-speed trains, Barcelona has become an attractive destination for international visitors. Almost all visitors, including both foreign tourists and locals, prefer to use air travel as their main mode of transportation during their journeys. The passenger flow at El Prat airport has increased fivefold over the last 25 years, reaching 44 million people. The high-speed train AVE, launched between Madrid and Barcelona in 2008, transports almost 4 million passengers annually.

One of the most significant events that greatly influenced the future development of tourism in Barcelona was the changes made in management and marketing. These changes were driven by the unfavorable economic situation after the Olympic Games, during which the city entered a period of recession. To overcome the difficulties and tap into new tourist markets, stronger marketing efforts were needed. A key role in successfully addressing these challenges was played by the newly established specialized city marketing center, "Turisme de Barcelona," which sparked interest among researchers in terms of organizational, legal, and financial aspects.

Additionally, strong partnerships between various stakeholders play a crucial role in the development of event tourism in Barcelona. Event organizers collaborate with hotel businesses, local authorities, local enterprises, and public organizations to create synergy and ensure successful event hosting. These partnerships foster the exchange of resources, experiences, and knowledge, as well as joint promotion and the development of tourism packages, enhancing Barcelona's attractiveness for event tourism.

Overall, the growth of event tourism depends on the coordinated efforts of various parties, including event organizers, local authorities, travel agencies, the business sector, and the government. Interaction and collaboration among them are integral to the successful establishment and development of this form of tourism. Consequently, the successful promotion of event tourism requires constant market analysis, innovations, consideration of tourists' needs, and a commitment to sustainability. These factors imply not only economic benefits but also the consideration of cultural, social, ecological, and technological aspects to create attractive, safe, and sustainable event activities. Recognizing the importance of these factors will help unlock the potential of this type of tourism, strengthen the image of tourist destinations by increasing tourist flow, income, and economic diversification, and attract more travelers seeking unique events and experiences.