Mega event: a critical literature review and research agenda

Abstract

Mega events exert impacts on a tourist destination, in terms of attracting visitors, alongside economic and social impacts. The image of a tourist destination is broadcasted worldwide and legacies are attractive to governments, which is why they are so coveted. A review of the literature reveals that, although these topics are often covered, they are still scarcely studied, and more research is needed on these areas. The purpose of this article is to explore, identify, and critically review the area of mega-events tourism, and suggest lines of research that contribute to the growth and development of tourist destinations. The paper provides relevant contributions, with a particular focus on the role of the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) in the development, competitiveness, and effectiveness of the host destination.