Host Population Perceptions of the Impact of Mega-events

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study on the perceptions of the host population on the impact of two mega-events, the Daejeon Expo and the Gyeongju Expo in Korea. Many studies have performed evaluations on the partial impact of an event while the event is actually being held; however, not much research has been done on the long-term impact on the host population. It is necessary to study the long-term impact on the host population so as to discover more thorough characteristics of the impact of the event. Thus, research on tourism influenced by mega-events over a period of time makes it possible to monitor the changing phases of the development of tourist attractions and to compare them with other types of mega-events.

Keywords:

• mega-event
• host population perceptions
• social exchange theory
• willingness to collaborate

Acknowledgment

This research was supported by Dong-A University Research Fund in 2004.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sang Taek Lim

Email: [email protected]