Host residents' perceptions of the impact of the 2009 World Games on Kaohsiung : a longitudinal perspective

This study assesses host residents' perceived impacts of the 2009 Kaohsiung World (the Games) on their communities. The main purpose was to investigate host resident's perceptions concerning the impact of staging the Games, looking at the issues affecting communities both before and after the event. Importantly the study introduces a new theoretical basis for assessing event tourism impacts. From a statistical perspective, significant differences were found concerning perceived general benefits, as well as negative impacts. The Nicosia model was used to help explain the findings. Overall, residents held relatively high expectations of general benefits, benefits of community involvement and development, in addition to economic and image benefits. Subsequent to the Games, residents realised that tangible or more direct benefits (such as additional recreational opportunities, short and long term boosts to the local economy and increased employment) were lower than expected. The study concludes by emphasising the importance of adopting a strategic approach, which focuses on engaging beneficiaries (host residents) in the early stages of event development. Planners should also seek to match the destination's development policies to the desired outcomes of the event.