Executive Summary
The following report aims at positioning Montreal as an ideal destination to host the 2024 athletics championships. For World Athletics, the current governing body for athletics competitions, the primary goal is to ensure that a successful event is delivered and all legacies are lived up to. Hosting the athletics championship would be an actual occurrence for Montreal that would further set it up as a sports event tourism destination past hosting the athletics competitions. This report draws attention to Montreal’s infrastructural capabilities and the city’s overall preparedness to host such an event. Studies on the state of Montreal as a sports event tourist destination prove that the city meets and exceeds World Athletics expectations of a host country for the world athletics championships.
Moreover, minimal time, political and economic constraints exist to set up the necessary infrastructure for Montreal to host. The city is already ahead as it hosted the Olympics championships in 1976. Sports event tourism is a concept that has been introduced previously for the city. The entirety of this report proves that Montreal is set apart from other bidders who would want to host the competition.
Introduction
Sport event tourism refers to the travel and tourism activities that revolve around major sporting events such as the Olympics, World Cup, and Super Bowl (Rheenen et al., 2017). This type of tourism involves traveling to a destination to attend or participate in a sporting event and other activities related to the event, such as visiting local attractions, dining, and shopping. Sport event tourism can have a significant economic impact on a host destination, generating revenue from increased tourism and providing an opportunity to showcase the goal to a global audience.
Destination Resource Analysis
1.1 Physical Analysis
Montreal is ideal for sports events tourism due to its resource-based and user-oriented characteristics (Weed & Bull, 2009). Montreal has a wealth of resources, making it an attractive location for sports events. The city has a wide range of sports venues, including the Olympic Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium that can accommodate a variety of events (Highman, 2005). Additionally, Montreal has several sports clubs, such as the Montreal Canadiens (NHL), Montreal Alouettes (CFL), and Montreal Impact (MLS), which provide a strong base for sports events (Arrive, 2023). Moreover, Montreal is also a user-oriented destination for sports events tourism. The city has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, to suit the needs of different types of sports tourists. In conclusion, Montreal is an ideal destination for sports events tourism due to its resource-based and user-oriented characteristics.
1.2. Accessibility and Infrastructure
Accessibility and infrastructure are vital for sports event tourism because they are essential for the smooth functioning of events and attendees’ enjoyment. Accessibility refers to the ease with which people can reach and participate in sports events. The factors include the availability of transportation options, the proximity of accommodation and amenities, and the accessibility of the event venue itself. Without good accessibility, it can be difficult for people to attend events, which can negatively impact the success of the event and the overall sports event tourism industry (Higham, 2005). Infrastructure refers to the physical and organizational structures that support the hosting and running of sports events. That includes event venues, transportation networks, and emergency services (Hinch & Higham, 2018). Inadequate infrastructure can make it challenging to host large-scale events and jeopardize the safety and enjoyment of attendees.
1.2.1. Accommodation
Montreal is an ideal location to host the world athletics championships due to its high-quality accommodation facilities. The city offers many options for athletes, officials, and visitors, including hotels, apartments, and dormitories. One of the key features of Montreal’s accommodation facilities is the many hotels available. According to the Tourisme Montréal website, the city has over 100 hotels with over 30,000 rooms (MTL, 2023). These hotels range from budget-friendly options to luxury properties, ensuring that there is something to suit every need and budget. The average hotel room price in Montreal ranges from $100 to $250 per night, depending on the location and amenities. For example, a 4-star hotel in the downtown area can cost around $200 per night, while a budget-friendly 2-star hotel can cost around $100 per night. According to data from Tourism Montreal, the city has over 26,000 hotel rooms and more than 5,000 vacation rentals (MTL,2023). This large inventory of accommodation options ensures that there will be enough rooms for athletes, coaches, and fans, regardless of their budget. In addition to hotels, Montreal also offers a variety of apartment and dormitory options for athletes and officials (MTL, 2023). The Olympic Village, built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, is a prime example of this. The village, located on the campus of the Université de Montréal, comprises 2,100 apartments and offers a convenient and affordable accommodation option for athletes and officials.
1.2.2. Transport System
Montreal’s transport system is well-developed and efficient, making it an ideal city for sport event tourism such as the world athletics championship. The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, metro, and commuter trains. The metro system, in particular, is extensive and covers most of the city, making it easy for visitors to navigate and access venues for the world athletics championship. In addition to public transportation, Montreal also has an extensive network of bike paths and a bike-sharing program, BIXI, which allows visitors to rent bicycles for short periods (Arrive, 2023).which is an excellent option for those who wish to explore the city and reach the venues on time. Montreal also has an international airport, Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities worldwide. Visitors can quickly fly into the city and use public transportation to reach their destination (Arrive, 2023). Overall, Montreal’s transport system makes it easy for visitors to get around the city, which is essential for a large-scale event like the world athletics championship. With a combination of public transportation, bike-sharing, and an international airport, Montreal is an ideal destination for sports tourism.
1.2.3 Catering Services
Montreal is a fantastic city for sports event tourism, thanks partly to its wide variety of catering services. These services range from casual dining options like food trucks and street vendors to more formal sit-down restaurants and caterers (MTL, 2023). One popular option for sports event tourists is Montreal’s famous food trucks, which offer various cuisines such as traditional Quebecois fare, Mediterranean, and Asian food. These food trucks can often be found near sports venues and are a convenient and affordable option for those looking to grab a quick bite before or after a game. For those looking for a more formal dining experience, Montreal is home to a wide variety of sit-down restaurants that offer delicious meals and excellent service (Restomontreal, 2023). Many of these restaurants are located near sports venues, making them a convenient option for sports event tourists. In addition to these options, Montreal has several professional caterers who can provide food and drinks for corporate events, private parties, and more. These caterers can work with you to create a menu that meets your needs and budget, whether you are looking for a formal sit-down dinner or a casual buffet-style meal. Overall, Montreal’s wide variety of catering services makes it an excellent destination for sports event tourism, as there is something for everyone in terms of food and drinks. Montreal has everything if you are looking for a quick and affordable meal or a more formal dining experience.
1.2.4 Leisure and Entertainment
Montreal offers a wide range of entertainment and leisure options for sports event tourists. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with various bars, clubs, and lounges. Visitors can enjoy live music, stand-up comedy, and theater performances at venues such as the Montreal Jazz Festival, Just For Laughs Festival, and the Montreal International Fireworks Festival (MTL, 2023). For those interested in exploring the city’s history and architecture, there are several historic sites and landmarks to visit, including the Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Port of Montreal, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The Montreal Botanical Garden is also famous, featuring a wide variety of plant species and several themed gardens.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Montreal offers plenty of hiking, biking, and boating opportunities. Mount Royal Park is a popular spot for hiking and offers stunning city views (Arrive, 2023). The Lachine Canal is excellent for biking and jogging, and the Old Port of Montreal offers kayaking and paddle boating (Arrive, 2023). For those looking for some retail therapy, Montreal is home to several shopping districts, including the trendy Plateau neighborhood, the designer boutiques of Saint-Denis Street, and the underground shopping complex at the Montreal Eaton Centre.
1.3 Political and Economic
Montreal, the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec, has a long history of hosting major international sporting events. In 2021, the city committed to hosting the world Athletics championship. The government of Montreal, along with the Canadian government, has invested a significant amount of money and resources into hosting various sports events. According to the Montreal government’s official website, the total estimated budget for such an event would be around 80 million Canadian dollars (Canada.ca, 2023), which includes funding for the construction and renovation of facilities, as well as operational costs such as security and transportation. The government also plans to invest in infrastructure improvements to support the event, including constructing a new athletes’ village and renovating existing sports facilities. The economic benefits of hosting such a large event are significant. According to estimates from the Montreal government, the event is expected to generate around $200 million in economic activity, including tourism and increased business for local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses (The Athletic, 2023). Additionally, the event is expected to create thousands of jobs, both in the short term for the duration of the event and in the long term through the construction and renovation of facilities.
1.4. Culture and Perception
Montreal is known for its rich history and diverse culture and is also a popular destination for sports event tourism. The city has a strong tradition of hosting major sporting events, including the 1976 Summer Olympics and the 1987 FIFA World Cup (Hallman et al., 2017). Additionally, Montreal is home to the Montreal Canadiens, one of the oldest and most successful National Hockey League (NHL) teams. The city’s Olympic Stadium, also known as the “Big O,” is a notable venue for sports events tourism (Guttmann, 1976). Built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, the stadium has hosted various events, including international soccer matches, concerts, and even monster truck shows. It also served as the home field for the Montreal Expos baseball team until the team moved to Washington, D.C., in 2004. Montreal is also home to the Bell Centre, the Canadiens’ home arena and a popular destination for hockey fans. The arena also hosts concerts and other events, making it a tourist destination.
2. Current Sports Tourist Market in Montreal
The sports tourist market in Montreal, Canada, is experiencing a boost in activity. Montreal is known for its vibrant sports culture and has a history of hosting successful international events, such as the 1976 Summer Olympics (Guttmann, 1976). According to a study by Tourism Montreal, the World Athletics Championships, if hosted in the city, could generate approximately $200 million in economic impact for the city (Holt & Ruta, 2015). This includes tourism revenue, such as hotel stays, food and beverage sales, and transportation. The event is expected to attract around 400,000 visitors to Montreal, including athletes, coaches, media, and fans.
In terms of infrastructure, Montreal has several state-of-the-art sports facilities that can be used for the World Athletics Championships, including the Olympic Stadium, which has undergone a $300 million renovation. The city also has a well-developed transportation system, including an efficient metro system, making it easy for visitors to navigate and access the event venues (Arrive, 2023). Montreal has a strong sports tourism industry, with several major sports events in the city annually, such as the Canadian Grand Prix and the Rogers Cup (Masterman, 2014). According to a study by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance, sports tourism in Montreal generates over $500 million in economic impact annually and supports over 5,000 jobs (MTL, 2023, Sport Tourism Canada, 2023). In conclusion, the World Athletics Championships in Montreal have the potential to have a significant economic impact on the city, attracting a large number of visitors and generating significant revenue from tourism. The city’s infrastructure and history of hosting successful international events make it well-suited to host such an event (Guttmann, 1976). Furthermore, Montreal’s sports tourism industry is already robust, and the World Athletics Championships are expected to boost further the city’s reputation as a top sports tourism destination.
3. Bidding
As Dunphy (2012) describes, event bidding is the process through which an event bidder works towards achieving a state of best fit to be allowed to host an event. In outlining the bid development process, Dunphy has identified a list of criteria that ensure that an event bidder accomplishes the state of best fit to win a bid. Montreal can be evaluated through the bid criteria in the following ways;
Fig 1 Dunphy (2012)
3.1. Primary Criteria
The primary criteria for event bidding concern the technical requirements for hosting an event (Getz, 2004). These technical requirements are the infrastructure, transportation, accommodation, and catering services mentioned in the accessibility and infrastructure sections.
3.2. Enhanced Primary Criteria
As stipulated by Dunphy, in the competitive nature of the event bidding process, bidders need to do more than meet the primary requirements. For Montreal, the enhanced primary criteria that make it ideal for hosting the championships is the presence of state-of-the-art stadiums.
3.3. Secondary Criteria
Secondary criteria requirements have to do with the facilities that a bidder has that align with the scope of the event. Apart from the famous Olympic stadium, Montreal boasts several other venues, such as the CEPSUM and the Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard, that can be used for different events (MTL, 2023).
3.4. Supporting Factors
Primarily, the supporting factors are the differentiators of the capabilities of one bid and another. This criterion forces the bidder to stand out amongst all other competitors. Montreal sets itself apart as a bidder to host the World Athletics Championships by offering a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, a strong track and field tradition, and a city passionate about sports and hosting major international events. The city also has a proven track record of hosting major international events, such as the 1976 Summer Olympics and the 2005 World Aquatics Championships (Guttmann, 1976). Additionally, Montreal has the necessary infrastructure, including a newly renovated Olympic Stadium and various hotels and other accommodations, to support and host a large-scale event like the World Athletics Championships.
3.5. The X-Factor
As Dunphy (2012) puts it, the x-factor has to do with exceeding the expectations of the event organizer. Montreal’s central location in North America and robust transportation infrastructure make it a convenient destination for athletes and visitors. Montreal also has a strong history of hosting major sporting events, including the 1976 Summer Olympics.
4. Planning and Staging
The event life cycle model can be a helpful planning strategy for Montreal to use when hosting the world athletics championship. The model consists of four stages: pre-event, event, post-event, and legacy (Westerbeek et al., 2005). Each stage has specific tasks and goals that need to be accomplished. In the pre-event stage, Montreal would need to secure funding and partnerships, conduct market research, and develop a detailed plan for the event. This would include identifying potential venues, transportation, and accommodation options and creating a schedule of events (Masterman, 2014). Montreal must focus on executing the plan during the event stage and ensuring a smooth and successful event. This would include managing volunteers, coordinating transportation and accommodation, and providing customer service to attendees. In the post-event stage, Montreal would need to evaluate the event’s success and gather feedback from attendees, partners, and sponsors. This would include analyzing financial data, conducting surveys and interviews, and identifying areas for improvement. Finally, in the legacy stage, Montreal would need to leverage the event to create long-term benefits for the city (Westerbeek et al., 2005). This could include promoting tourism, developing new sports facilities, and creating economic opportunities for local businesses. Overall, by following the event life cycle model, Montreal can effectively plan and stage the world athletics championship and leave a positive legacy for the city. Top of Form
5. Conclusion
The report has successfully highlighted Montreal as the ideal host for the 2024 world athletics championships. This has been done by primarily highlighting the city’s exceptional features. Moreover, the report identifies the idealness of Montreal to host such an event, as the city has a long history of sports event tourism. Apart from presenting Montreal as an ideal venue, this report has evaluated the city’s capabilities using the bid criteria discussed by Dunphy (2012) in his article. The report has proven beyond doubt that Montreal can host the world athletics championships.
6. References
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The Athletic (2023). CF Montreal’s keys to success: Happiness, equality, and second chances. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/3684540/2022/10/12/cf-montreal-mls-playoffs/
World Athletics (2023). Retrieved from https://worldathleticAs.org/
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