Festivals and special events: making the investment

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to motivate hospitality leaders and local festival and special event management to grow their events from simply local events to those that attract tourists and tourists' dollars to the community.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous research is discussed but no new research is offered.

Findings

This commentary challenges event managers to elevate their local events into attractors bringing tourists and tourist spending to the community.

Practical implications

Festivals and special events should consider growing their events such that they attract new monies to the community, put heads in beds, and generate revenue for tourism providers and other merchants across the local economy. The article offers suggestions to tourism officials for the distribution of public support funding to help local festivals successfully grow their events.

Originality/value

Readers will find the Charleston model discussed herein of value as they consider the politics of funding festivals and special events in their community. The paper offers suggestions and warnings for the growth.

Citation

Litvin, S.W. (2013), "Festivals and special events: making the investment", International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 184-187. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCTHR-04-2013-0025