Resident reactions to staging Tour de Taiwan 2012: Comparison of pre- and post-event

Abstract

This is the first study of the Tour de Taiwan (TDT) cycling race, which aims to identify and compare host resident perceptions of the impact of staging the TDT (both before and after the event). Data were collected from the host communities at three different stages of the race, located close to either the start or the finish line. For both pre- and post-test questionnaires, 482 out of 964 were obtained for analysis. An impact scale, which comprised of 22 items, was developed based on four factors: general perceptions, community coherence and development, image enhancement and tourism benefits and disadvantages. Host residents differed significantly in the perceptions of event impacts based on different geographical areas. The results also showed a significant change in resident perceptions over time [F (4, 235)= 3.69, p<0.01)]. The findings suggest that overall most residents were in favour of hosting the 2012 TDT. However, the planning stage did not adequately address direct daily concerns of the residents, such as the need for community development and specific economic benefits. Future studies and event organizers should consider the congruence between the image of the event and the image of the destination.

Key words: Tour de Taiwan; Major sport events; Cycling race; Resident perceptions.