Patterns and trends in event tourism study topics over 30 years

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate shifts and patterns evident in event studies over the past 30 years. It aims to review events‐related academic articles published between 1980 and 2010 in the top three tourism journals.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing 178 event‐related articles collected from the Annals of Tourism Research, the Journal of Travel Research and Tourism Management, published between 1980 and 2010, a content analysis was carried out in regard to trends in academic writings related to events.

Findings

The study found that, even though the number of event studies has dramatically increased since 2000, and subject areas have become more diversified, the focus has still remained on a very limited number of topics.

Originality/value

The present study will increase awareness among academia and researchers about the characteristics and development of research in event studies; will increase the understating of the meaning of “event” in the tourism industry by reviewing event studies published in tourism journals; will be a useful reference guide for academic researchers who contribute to event studies, which is a relatively new area of research; and will extend practical knowledge of the event field.

Citation

Kim, J., Boo, S. and Kim, Y. (2013), "Patterns and trends in event tourism study topics over 30 years", International Journal of Event and Festival Management, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 66-83. https://doi.org/10.1108/17582951311307520