Impact of Festivals and Events on a Destination
Introduction
Events and festivals can be described as the most exciting and fastest growing industry related to leisure, business and travel. These special attractions have a purpose and objective, which in turn, have impacts on host communities, participants and other stakeholders who as Getz puts it, are “impacted” by the outcomes of events (1993). In recent decades, a substantial amount of research has been carried out to examine the impacts of tourism on a destination and, to a lesser extent, events and festivals. Through this work, both positive and negative impacts of events and festivals on a destination have been discovered. Indeed, it is the expected benefits of events, whether economic, social, political or environmental, that is the principal drive underpinning the support for and increasing popularity of events and festivals at the local, national and international scale. Getz also believes that “local and regional events, including business events and conferences can increase visitation and expenditure, reduce seasonality, revitalize the economy, encourage repeat visitation and heighten regional awareness. Added to this, events and festivals can also provide the stimulus for additional infrastructure development in the local area and building community pride” (1993). On the other hand, events almost inevitably incur cost or have negative consequences that, to a lesser or greater extent, serve to reduce one’s net benefit. Unfortunately, these negative results can give rise to problems for the host community who may wish to host the event again. With this being said, event mangers should carefully plan an event in such a way that benefits are optimized and negative impacts are minimized.

Event Planning and Management
Developing a successful event, whether it is a local, special, business or major event, commonly requires a well thought out and put together plan by a wide range of stakeholders. When planning an event here are some things to consider (Getz, 1993): * Establishment of an event management committee to develop and plan specific events. * Developing an event concept or theme that is aligned with the destination and business’ values. * Consideration of event requirements including funding, sponsorship, promotion, facilities and equipment, access, legal obligations and risk management. * Coordinating involvement of other tourism industry stakeholders including accommodation providers, attractions and transport providers.
The Nature of Events and Economic Impacts
Within the tourism field, the term “event” is used to describe a wide range of event categories many of which have different characteristics. Events are categorized into four (4) major categories: local community based (arts and craft stalls), major (Regatta Festival), hallmark (Madi Gras) and mega-events (Summer Olympics). A mega-event such as the Olympics demands infrastructure such as, transportation, accommodations, stadium and necessary construction. Added to this, the scale of an event (how big or small) has a direct relationship with the impact a destination might receive, such as: potential attendance, media profile and cost and benefits (McDonell et. al, 1999). Economic impact affects a community not only through a mega-event but also a small-scale event. Yes, even a one night concert economically impacts a community.
Getz believes that “The economic role for events is to act as catalysts for attracting visitors and increasing their average spend and length stay of length. They are also seen as image- makers for the destination, creating a profile of destinations, positioning them in the market and providing a competitive marketing advantage” (1993). The benefits of events and festivals to a community can bring major change, particularly when persons travel from outside of the region. An event is said to provide newness, freshness and changes which are appealing to visitors. As a result, events and festivals often encourage old visitors to return to a destination as well as attract new visitors. It is also important to recognize that events and festivals are attractions that have drawing power and holding power, which encourages visitors to stay longer in a destination (Getz, 1993). This untapped market of new visitors further diversifies the economy by increasing both income and governmental revenue.
Environmental Impacts of Events
Environmental impacts both, local and global, direct and indirect, reversible and irreversible and positive and negative can emerge as a result of hosting events and festivals. Larger events are likely to have both a broader range of, and greater magnitude of environmental impacts. For example, a mega-event such as the Olympic Games versus music festival possesses a greater percentage of inflicting threat and harm on the environment.
Festivals and events contribute to the depletion of natural resources by the use of fossil fuels in transportation as well as to the air, water and soil pollution. Second, they decrease the numbers and varieties of plants and animals and ruin their habitats. Thirdly, they can create great pressure on local resources like energy, food and other raw materials that may already be in short supply. In order to have more favorable environmental impacts, sustainable planning and development principles should be taken into consideration throughout the organization of a festival. Sustainable event mangers should consider the control use of resources, restriction of overconsumption and reduction of the amount of waste, conservation of diversity and the involvement of event management in long-term development concepts (Raj & Musgrove, 2009).
Social Impact of Events
According to Getz, social impacts can be defined generally as “all social and cultural consequences to human population of any public or private actions that alter the ways in which people love, work, play, relate to one another, organize their needs and generally cope as members of society” (1993). Events play a pivotal role in the lives of persons within a community because it aims to foster and improve relationships between people, thus strengthening people’s abilities to understand one another. Events bring about a sense of unity by bringing people together for a common good: to have themselves a good time. As events bring visitors into contact with the local host community, this adds further dimensions to the socio-cultural change. This change can bring about a mixture of both positive and negative changes that affect the host community and the event visitor. For example: the integration of different cultures, ethnic groups, lifestyles, languages and levels of prosperity are brought together for one common good. The social impacts of events and festivals on a destination are truly meaningful as, the day-to-day life of people associated directly or indirectly with events, their attitudes and values are in favor of reaching out to people (1993).
Possible Impacts Resulting From Events (Hall, 1992). Type of Impact | Positive | Negative | Economic | * Increased expenditures. * Creation of employment. * Increase in labor supply. | * Prices increase during events. * Failure to attract tourist. * Inadequate capital. | Tourism/Commercial | * Increased awareness of the region as a travel/tourist destination. * Increase in accessibility. * Creation of new accommodation and tourist attractions. | * Given poor reputations as a result of inadequate facilities, improper practices, or inflated prices. * Negative reactions from existing enterprises due to the possibility of new competition. | Physical/Environmental | * Construction of new facilities. * Improvement of local infrastructure. * Preservation of heritage. | * Overcrowding. * Ecological damage. * Change in natural processes. | Social/Cultural | * Strengthening of regional values and traditions. * Increase in permanent level of interest and participation with the types of activities associated with events. | * Social dislocation. * Changes in community structure. * Potential increase in crime. * Commercialization of activities which may be of a personal or private nature. | Psychological | * Increased local and community spirit. * Increased awareness of non-local perceptions. | * Culture shock. * Misunderstanding leading to varying degrees of host/visitor hostility. | Political/administrative | * Enhanced international recognition of region and values. * Development skills among planners. | * Failure to cope. * Inability to achieve aims. * Increase in administrative costs. |

Festivals Impact on Host Communities Festivals are important to host communities because it helps to develop local pride and identity for the local people. Events can help with a fundraising, to change a city’s image, to expand its trade, to stimulate its economy and help companies market their products (Catherwood & Van Kirk, 1992). One of the greatest advantages of community festivals and many other special events are to improve independence from capital-intensive development projects (Getz, 1993). Events contribute to income and employment through the event itself as well as hotels, artisans, restaurants, transportation and even small souvenir shops. On the other hand, events and festivals can also have negative impacts and can do great harm to the future of an event in its host region. A problem a host community may have with events is the influx of people and being unable to cope, which may lead to traffic congestion, crime and vandalism. Added to this, community resistance to tourism, loss of authenticity, damage to reputation and inflated prices may also negatively impact a host community (Catherwood & Van-Kirk, 1992).
Festivals in the Caribbean
Every year, the islands of the Caribbean host hundreds of events and festivals. For example the very popular Junkanoo held in the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, and Music festivals in St. Lucia, Barbados and Jamaica. Festivals and events take place year round in this region, so regardless of which country you visit and when you go, there is a good chance something exciting will be going on.
In the Bahamas, Bahamians love to get together and celebrate the things that make the islands special, such as food history and culture. December 26th and January 1st both Bahamians and foreigners line the streets to enjoy one of the most celebrated art forms in the Bahamas: Junkanoo!
Three o’clock in the morning, costumed dancers with astonishing energy line the street along with cowbellers, drummers, trumpeters, conch shell blowers and other musicians carrying or wheeling along sculptures or ‘lead pieces’ creating a compelling rhythmic beat. It’s amazing what Junkanoo does, it brings together the rich and the poor, the magistrate dances with the felon he may later prosecute and members of the Government make brief accord with parliamentarians in the opposition (Glinton-Meicholas, 1994).
Each and every year, the people of Trinidad and Tobago, living home and aboard, come together to celebrate what people called the “Greatest Show on Earth”. “Caribbean carnivals are based on the original Trini Carnival, as locals call it, which was introduced to the island in the 18th century by French settlers and their slaves” (Creekmore, 2011). This event can be described as an explosion of color, music and creativity with its massive masquerade bands, flamboyant costumes decorated with feathers and pulsating music.
In Jamaica, hundreds of fans both local and international flock to Montego Bay at the end of July each year for the Reggae Sumfest - the largest concert festival in the region. Top Caribbean bands have been joined in the past with international headlines such as LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Sean Paul, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj for a week of sonic celebration (Creekmore, 2011).

Conclusion
Special events and festivals bring locals and visitors together to celebrate the unique and special features of a community. When events and festivals are being planned, event planners should take into consideration a number of things to ensure the success of an event. Events and festivals create new bonds and strengthen the fabric of the community, while delivering measurable economic, social and even environmental benefits. Nonetheless, negative impacts can arise and pose threats to the host community and visitors as well. For example, some events can bright about overcrowding, dislocation of locals, and rising prices which may drive tourists away from a destination. As a result, greater attention should be placed on optimizing benefits and minimizing negative impacts.

References
Catherwood, D.W. & Van-Kirk, R.L. (1992). The complete guide to special event management. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Creekmore, T. (2011). Caribbean festivals and events. Retrieved February 1, 2012, from http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/music-and-festivals/articles/caribbean-festivals- and-events
Getz, D. (1993). Festivals, special events and tourism. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Glinton-Meicholas, P. (1994). How to be a true-true Bahamian. Nassau: Guanima Press.
Hall, C. (1992). Hallmark tourist events: impacts, management and planning. London: Belhaven.
McDonell, I., Allen, J. & O’Toole, W. (1999). Festival and special event management. Milton: Jacaranda-Wiley.
Ray, R. & Musgrove, J. (2009). Event management and sustainability. Cambridge: CBAI Publishing.