Exploring Residents’ Perceptions of Mega Event-Dubai Expo 2020: A Pre-Event Perspective

Mohit Vij, Amitabh Upadhya, Anu Vij and Manoj Kumar
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Mohit Vij: School of Business, Skyline University College, Sharjah, 1797, UAE
Amitabh Upadhya: School of Business, Skyline University College, Sharjah, 1797, UAE
Anu Vij: School of Business Administration, Aldar University College, Dubai, 35529, UAE
Manoj Kumar: School of Business, Skyline University College, Sharjah, 1797, UAE

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: This study explores the residents’ perceptions of economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of a mega-event (World Expo 2020) to be held in Dubai, as well as their level of inclination to participate in the event. The event organizers announced a requirement of thirty thousand volunteers to assist them in successfully organizing the mega event. Such events could prove to be landmarks in destination brand building and may lead to an increase in the number of tourists. The purpose of the study is to gauge the level of understanding about the event impacts within the resident population and their willingness to get involved in event organization. Priory studies of perceptions about the economic, cultural and environmental impacts of a mega-event, are well-nigh non-existent, especially for World Expositions. This study explores residents’ perception to get a fair idea of how they get involved in a mega event that will surely have profound impacts on the destination. Drawing on stakeholder theory and triple bottom line (TBL) model, the study uses primary data collected from more than two hundred fifty residents of the region, through a structured questionnaire. The data analysis follows a descriptive design supported by SEM and path analysis. Major findings indicate favorable and promising responses from the residents, and brings forth the scope to improve the level of involvement of the residents to make the event a success.

Keywords: mega event; World Expo; Dubai; economy; residents’ perceptions; tourism impacts (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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