The effects generated by events on destination dynamics and topology

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the effects generated by a mega-event (the World Expo 2015) on a destination (Milan), using network analytic methods. The horizontal visibility graph was used to transform the time series into a network. Two hypotheses are tested: first, the ability of the Milan Expo to generate a turning point; second, the ability of this event to increase the system’s stability. The findings are based on a longitudinal analysis (2004–2017) of three widely used metrics: occupancy, average daily rate, and revenue per available room. The empirical pieces of evidence confirm both hypotheses. The Milan Expo has generated a positive turning point increasing the system stability. In the conclusion section, some theoretical and practical advancements are proposed, along with the implications for future research, and the main study limitations.

KEYWORDS:

• Milan Expo
• complex theory
• network topology
• system dynamics
• horizontal visibility graph
• turning points

Acknowledgements

RB acknowledges the financial support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation in the framework of the Competitiveness Enhancement Program of the Tomsk Polytechnic University.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors .

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation (Competitiveness Enhancement Program of the Tomsk Polytechnic University).