Differences Between Male and Female Sport Event Tourists: A Qualitative Study

Keywords

gender differences, gender equality, self-actualization, social support, volunteering, ZMET

Abstract

This qualitative study, using the Zaltaman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET), investigated differences between male and female sport event tourists. Study participants cited different attributes, consequences, and values with respect to the five themes that emerged from this study: loyalty, socialization, self-actualization, volunteering, and equality through sport. The use of a grounded qualitative research approach made it possible to discover that the act of sport spectating could give sport event tourists the opportunity to reach other goals (e.g., social responsibility, self-actualization and healthy lifestyle). This study made several unique contributions to event tourism research. The most important finding, however, had to do with self-actualization. Socialization, travel, volunteering, and promoting gender equality and other social responsibilities through sport enable people to reach their potential and achieve a healthy lifestyle. These singular findings have implications to sports event management and marketing strategies.

Publication Date

10-28-2009

Original Citation

Chen. P. (2010). Differences between male and female sport event tourists: A qualitative study. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 29(2), 277-290.

Number of Pages

277-290

Document Type

Paper

Language

English

Source Title

International Journal of Hospitality Management

Volume

29

Issue

2

College

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Location

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

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