Taiwanese Residents’ Perceived Social, Economic, Recreational and Political Benefits for Hosting the 2017 Universiade Games

Hosting mega sporting events has been viewed as a great method to provide the host city and nation publicity, recognition, pride, and even economic benefits. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of Taiwanese residents on the social, economic, recreational, and political impact for hosting 2017 World University Games. The researchers used a self-created 7-point Likert survey to collect 1,021 responses from February to April of 2017. The survey covered four main constructs: (1) National and Cultural Spirit and Hospitality, (2) Financial and Recreational Factor, (3) Negative Social Consequences, and (4) Support for the Events and Political Concern. The results of the study showed the perceived positive benefits also outweighed the negative concerns associated with the events. Participants’ game attending willingness was best predicted by the rating of “national and cultural spirt and hospitality.” However, the notion of using this sporting event as a tool to bring peace and to ease the political tension between China and Taiwan was not observed. Finally, recommendations for promoting future large sporting events in Taiwan were offered. Strategies included targeting young individuals under 30 years of age, as well as emphasizing the potential growth of tourism and recreational benefits.