Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.20867/thm.32.1.1
Determinants of spectator consumption and the prominence of event attributes in behavioural intentions: insights from a non-mega sport tourism event
Rute Martins
Margarida Mascarenhas
Duarte Aniceto
Abstract
Purpose – Sport events can boost the local economy, both through the direct consumption of
goods/services and by enhancing the destination’s image. The prominent focus of existing
literature on mega-events contrasts with the need to study non-mega events, considering the
economic benefits for the destination especially when the later are annually hosted. This study
aimed to outline the profile of non-resident spectators (NRS) of a non-mega recurring sport
tourism event, and analyse their consumption determinants and behavioural intentions.
Methodology/Design/Approach – At the Millennium Estoril Open event, 175 questionnaires
were applied to the NRS. Determinants of consumption were calculated with multiple linear
regression for total NRS expenditure. The association between destination/event attributes
and behavioural intentions was calculated using Spearman’s Rho coefficient.
Findings – Overall, older spectators with higher income, who travelled with family, stayed
overnight, and arrived early spend more money at the destination. The significant and positive
effect on behavioural intentions of NRS is substantiated by five event attributes but only one
respecting the destination. Event attributes are integrated into all dimensions of event service
quality, i.e., overall event quality, functional quality, and hedonic quality. It is important to
promote the recurring events’ hedonic attributes, which encourage anticipation for entertainment
activities and boost spectators’ intentions to return. The findings are aligned with the economic
assumption supporting the joint analysis of the short- and long-term economic benefits arising
from the direct expenditure at the destination and the intensification of its image.
Originality of the research – This study integrates the determinants of NRS expenditure and
their behavioural intentions, generating knowledge for designing strategies to promote the
tangible and intangible effects of the event on the destination’s economic development.
Keywords
Destination revisit and recommendation; Expenditure; Non-Resident Spectators; Recurring events
Hrčak ID:
345104
URI
Publication date:
10.3.2026.
Visits: 282 *