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

A research article co-authored by CTR researcher, Dr. Ryutaro Yamakita been published in the International Journal of Event and Festival Management.

 

 

 

 

Title

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

 

Authors

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

 

Source

International Journal of Event and Festival Management

https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEFM-02-2024-0023

* Indexed in Scopus

Journal details: https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/21100299412

 

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

Major sport event, Sport event leveraging, Universal tourism, Disability sport, Multiple case study, Host town initiative