CoEFTL researchers Stella Leivadi and Eugenia Tzoumaka have conducted an exploratory study on participants’ experience and behavior at the Authentic Marathon Swim, a small-scale sport tourism event held in Pefki, Evoia. The event replicates the legendary swim of Skyllias and his daughter Hydna from 2,500 years ago. The 2022 edition attracted 170 participants from 14 countries, offering various races from a 500-m kids’ race to a challenging 14.5km swim. Based on participant surveys, the study revealed that the event not only enhances the destination’s image but also has a notable economic impact on the local community. Positive word-of-mouth and participants’ intent to return were strongly linked to the destination’s image, offering practical insights for local policymakers and event marketers.
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