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Social media are nowadays used in all sectors, and likewise frequently within the sports industry. However, there is a lack of studies that offer a holistic understanding of the phenomenon of social media engagement (SME) in this area. Thus, the main object of the present study was the elaboration of a systematic review of the existing literature of the past ten years about SME within the field of sports events. The study was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. By searching the databases Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Academic Search Ultimate, we identified 208 studies. After screening and reviewing for eligibility, we finally included 28 articles in the present study. The methodologies, types of analysis applied, main objectives, and the results on SME of the articles included in the synthesis were systematically reviewed. The findings showed that only four articles had as a principal theme the SME. Social media offer a useful tool for engagement, but SME adopts must still gain greater recognition. The need to co-create with users and engage them on social media, due to the great utility of social media in this sector is highlighted based on the results. It was found that SME around sports events remains an emerging and still developing research field which presents a wide range of future research lines.

Purpose – Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors. Based on the uses and gratifications theory, this study investigates how different characteristics (i.e., information, entertainment, and engagement value) of destination management organisations’ (DMO) social media posts on sports tourism influence potential sports tourists’ social media usage, booking intentions, and intentions to spread positive word of mouth (WOM) about the destination. Methodology – We collected the study data through a combination of an online survey and paper-and-pencil questionnaires and used PLS-SEM to analyse the hypothesised relationships. Findings – Our results demonstrate that a high information value of a DMO’s post triggers booking intentions, while posts additionally need to have a high engagement value when it is also important to increase social media users’ WOM, and a third post characteristic – entertainment value – is essential when future social media usage intentions are to be increased. Originality of the research – The results of our study enable DMOs to choose the most critical post characteristics (information, entertainment, and engagement value) according to the respective objective pursued with their social media communication (i.e., increasing booking intentions, WOM, or future social media usage intentions). Prior research has not provided such insights that can enhance communication strategies.

This paper aimed to investigate the response of smart tourism destinations (STDs) to the COVID-19 crisis, specifically regarding sustainability, which—along with information, new technologies, and governance—is a key element of STDs. First, we conducted a brief literature review regarding tourism sustainability. Secondly, we performed a case study of several STDs to determine the sustainable actions implemented in response to the current crisis, the results of which are presented in this paper. Thirdly, we assessed these STDs’ primary sustainability actions and developed a strategy proposal that can be followed by destinations in similar situations. This proposal is intended to be evaluated by the studied STDs for validation or adaptation. Far from a definitive solution, our proposal was designed as one possible tool to avoid the disorganisation and uncertainty suffered in crisis situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The use of social media within the sports sector is increasingly gaining importance. Purpose: Therefore, the main aim of this article is to show the different motivations and perceptions of the usage of social networking sites, as well as the used types of social networking sites relating to a sports event. Approach: A twofold methodology was carried out. First, a descriptive study, resulting from a survey carried out at the Spanish Taekwondo Clubs' Championship 2021, was performed. Secondly, the posts of the official social media sites of the Spanish Taekwondo Federation were analysed and the engagement was calculated. Results: This work, based on qualitative information of the participants of the beforehand mentioned championship, reveals the different areas of the use of social networking sites regarding the event and its destination from a sports touristic and marketing communication perspective. Findings indicate an elevated usage for interaction with other participants and information seeking about the event and activities, and well-created expectations and perceived images on social networking sites. Nevertheless, those platforms mainly did not affect the decision on whether to assist in the championship. Posts with visual support on Facebook and Twitter obtained more interaction, with Facebook being the one with the highest engagement. Conclusions: Social networking sites were used for a wide range of motivations, which were mainly based on the importance of social networking sites as an information source, for social interaction and interpersonal communication exchange. The results of this study help explain the motivations and perceptions of the usage of social networking sites before, during and after a sports event and allow the understanding of their influence on the participants.

A brand’s identity reflects the core values of a brand. Meanwhile the brand image are users’ associations with the brand. Therefore, to know users’ perceptions and to possibly obtain congruence between the brand identity and the brand image, it is immensely important to implement an efficient marketing strategy. Hence, this study’s main aim is to analyse the differences of image appeals, comparing the sports event identities and the sports events’ brand images and their effect on user interactions. A content analysis was conducted, with an overall sample of 629 Instagram images of five triathlons. An especially for this study developed codebook was employed. The most frequent appeals were people, athletes, urban surroundings, running as a sport, the start-/finish line as event momentum and concentration as an emotion with 90% showing a positive tone. Posts displaying people, emotions, a positive tone, and the start-/finishing line obtained higher interaction rates. Posts including women or swimming showed high mean values in interactions but were rather underrepresented. The results contribute to the literature on social media marketing within the field of sports events by exploring Instagram post appeals from the perspective of the organisers, and the users and their impact on user interaction.

Purpose>In this work, the authors present a review of mobile applications for event management available for smartphones with the iOS operating system. The objective of the work is to carry out an analysis of these applications, offering an educational point of view and filling a gap in the doctrine, as the authors are dealing with an academically still new subject.Design/methodology/approach>First, the authors conducted a literature review regarding the impact of technology on event organizations. Second, the authors analysed mobile applications for event management, the results of which are presented in this paper. Particularly, its main characteristics, strengths and weaknesses are analysed. Finally, the authors present the design of an activity with one of the beforehand analysed applications, in order to see its contribution to event management education.Findings>It has been possible to improve learning and acquire specific skills related to the subject of study. Specified event management applications offer a wide range of advantages to facilitate the planning and management of events.Practical implications>The study provides practical implications for managers in the hospitality industry.Originality/value>This study provides a deeper insight into the functionalities and usefulness of event management mobile applications.