Impact of Olympic Spectator Safety Perception and Security Concerns on Travel Decisions

Abstract

Attendance at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympic Games did not reach levels comparable to previous Summer Games. Public speculation on the low attendance blamed high travel expense, media emphasis on construction delays, and time poverty. This study illustrates that at least one of the factors influencing the decision to attend the Olympic Games was safety and security perceptions. This article uses data collected from spectators at the 2004 Olympic Games to address the role of safety and security issues on the event attendee's decision-making process as well as attendee satisfaction with the event security. Sixty-six percent of those surveyed at the Olympic Games said that security was somewhat to very important in their decision to attend the 2004 Summer Games. Only 4% indicated that security was the most important factor in their decision. Additionally, over 28% of respondents indicated that they personally knew of someone who did not attend the 2004 Olympic Games due to security concerns. Security was important to those people who actually chose to attend the 2004 Olympic Games, and future research should be conducted to determine how security concerns may have deterred those who ultimately chose not to attend the 2004 Olympic Games or future events. This article extends previous research on Olympic spectator motivations and perceptions.