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Leveraging para-sport events for accessible tourism development in non-host cities: Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Kosuke Takata (Institute of Sport Economics and Sport Management, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany)
Ryutaro Yamakita (Center for Tourism Research, Wakayama University, Wakayama, Japan) (School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada)
Masaki Aoyama (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences, Kobe, Japan)

International Journal of Event and Festival Management

ISSN: 1758-2954

Article publication date: 25 October 2024

Issue publication date: 12 November 2024

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to explore Tokyo 2020’s non-host cities leveraging the Paralympic Games for accessible tourism development. Following their successful bid, the Japanese government launched a national initiative to promote an inclusive society, extending beyond Tokyo to include other regions and achieving the social model of disability. In particular, this study examined why and how non-host cities leveraged para-sport events for accessible tourism development.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted multiple case studies focusing on three non-host cities that engaged in the national initiative from Tokyo 2020. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with city employees from the authorities in October 2019 and the municipal council meeting minutes mentioning the initiative.

Findings

Thematic analysis identified contexts, strategic objectives, resources and means comprising the leveraging processes, differing from the previously suggested leveraging process. Notably, non-host cities embarked on leveraging when they realized alignment between their existing policies and the national initiative. Contrary to assumptions, our findings suggest that sport event leveraging does not always require pre-existing resources. This study also revealed the transfer of various resources (e.g. human, financial, social, image of the event) during the process. Additionally, non-host cities prioritize physical accessibility and a barrier-free mindset for accessible tourism development, diverging from typical sport event impacts on local tourism.

Originality/value

This research provides insights and lessons from Tokyo 2020, guiding future para-sport events. Focusing on the pre-event phase, our data not only enhances research quality by minimizing interviewee recall bias but also contributes to a deeper understanding of ongoing leveraging efforts.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Funding: This work was supported by the Sasakawa Sports Foundation under Sasakawa Research Grant in 2019.

Citation

Takata, K., Yamakita, R. and Aoyama, M. (2024), "Leveraging para-sport events for accessible tourism development in non-host cities: Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games", International Journal of Event and Festival Management, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 518-537. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEFM-02-2024-0023

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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