Investigation of the potential benefits and drawbacks of hosting the FIFA World Cup Football Tournament as a sporting event to Tourism & Hospitality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefits and drawbacks for Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sectors of hosting the FIFA World Cup football tournament, since Saudi Arabia is the designated host for the event. Using a structured questionnaire, the researcher collected data on global football interest, perceptions of hosting, fans’ decision-making factors, travel and spending patterns, and the links between sports tourism, hospitality, and the economy. The results revealed significant effects on tourism and hospitality that aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Key findings include the influence of national pride on the hosting country and the effects of many factors on attendance decisions, regardless of interest in football. Future researchers could focus on long-term planning, safety measures, and accommodation demands to enhance the overall hosting experience for such events.