The negative impacts of hosting mega-sporting events and intention to travel: a test of the crowding-out effect using the London 2012 Games as an example

This study examines the negative impacts of mega sporting events on host cities and the relationship between negative impacts and the travel intentions of potential international tourists. Data were collected from Shanghai University students, who were asked about their international travel experiences, London Games awareness, the perceived negative impacts of the Games on London and their travel intentions during the London Games. Travel inconvenience was the most negative impact recorded, followed by price inflation, security and crime concern, risk of disease and pollution and environment concern. Respondents were unsure about any negative impact on service quality degradation. Negative impacts did not vary according to age or gender. Travel inconvenience and price inflation were found to be significantly but negatively related to intention to travel.