Festival and event tourism is a thriving sector of the global tourism industry. In recent years, the industry has been impacted by the consequences of climate change, which has led to a significant focus on sustainability and the need for a more environmentally conscious approach. In this paper, the effects of climate change on festival and event tourism are discussed and analysed. Additionally, the current state of technology to support sustainability in the festival and event tourism industry is evaluated. The challenges and opportunities for event management using technology for sustainability are also examined. Finally, the role of festivals and events in mitigating climate change is evaluated.
Effects of Climate Change on Festival and Event Tourism
The effects of climate change have had a significant impact on the festival and event tourism industry. Climate change has led to the increase in natural disasters, such as hurricanes, fires, and floods, which have caused the cancellation or postponement of events. Additionally, extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves and droughts, have led to a reduction in attendance at festivals and events. The increased frequency of natural disasters has also increased the cost of event insurance, regulatory compliance, and security, further affecting the sustainability of the industry (Liu et al., 2017).
Here are some of the biggest festival names in Australia like the Rainbow Serpent festival, Strawberry fields and Spender in the grass all fell prey to the climate events around Australia.
Current State of Technology to Support Sustainability in Festival and Event Tourism
There have been significant advancements in technology to support sustainability in the festival and event tourism industry. For example, virtual events have become a popular alternative to traditional in-person events, reducing carbon emissions from transportation this was accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, (Nunkoo et al., 2015). Additionally, technology has also been used to improve waste management at festivals and events, such as the use of smart bins to optimize waste collection and reduce the amount of waste generated (Liu et al., 2017). Below is a list of 10 technologies that has supported sustainability over the last 8 years.
Paperless Ticketing: The use of digital ticketing systems helps reduce paper waste and promotes sustainability in the festival and event industry (Mashable, 2014).
Energy-Efficient Event Lighting: The use of LED lighting and smart lighting systems reduces energy consumption and promotes sustainability in event production (Eventbrite, 2018).
Sustainable Transportation Planning: Events can use technology to plan sustainable transportation options for attendees, such as carpooling and public transportation, reducing carbon emissions (Eco-Business, 2018).
Waste Management Solutions: Technology can be used to implement smart waste management systems, improving the efficiency of waste collection, sorting, and recycling during events (Green Meeting Industry Council, 2019).
Sustainable Catering: The use of technology can help event organizers source and track sustainable food options, reducing waste and promoting environmentally responsible catering (Eco-Business, 2019).
Renewable Energy Sources: Events can use technology to generate power from renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources (Eventbrite, 2018).
Virtual Event Platforms: The use of virtual event platforms can reduce the environmental impact of travel and accommodation, promoting sustainability in the events industry (Green Meeting Industry Council, 2020).
Green Meeting and Event Space: Technology can be used to design and construct sustainable meeting and event spaces, reducing energy consumption and promoting environmentally responsible practices (Green Meeting Industry Council, 2019).
Water Management: Events can use technology to monitor and manage water usage, including the use of sensors and data analysis to optimize water usage and reduce waste (Eco-Business, 2018).
Carbon Offsetting: Technology can be used to track and offset carbon emissions from events, promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of the events industry (Eventbrite, 2018).
Future State of Technology to Support Sustainability in Festival and Event Tourism
Festivals and events are significant drivers of the global economy, with millions of people attending events each year. However, these events also generate significant waste and emissions, making sustainability a critical issue in the events industry. To address this challenge, new technologies and innovative solutions are emerging that have the potential to support the sustainability of events and promote environmentally responsible practices. Here are ten of the most promising technologies that are likely to shape the future of sustainable events, from smart waste management systems and renewable energy generation to virtual and augmented reality and carbon offsetting.
Smart Waste Management Systems: In the future, smart waste management systems will become more sophisticated and integrated, allowing event organizers to track and manage waste more effectively, reducing waste and promoting sustainability (Eco-Business, 2021).
Renewable Energy Generation: Advancements in renewable energy technology will make it easier for events to generate power from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro, reducing their dependence on non-renewable energy sources (Green Meeting Industry Council, 2021).
Virtual and Augmented Reality: The use of virtual and augmented reality technologies will allow events to be held in a virtual setting, reducing the environmental impact of travel and accommodation, and promoting sustainability (Green Meeting Industry Council, 2021).
Green Building Technologies: The integration of green building technologies, such as smart energy management systems and sustainable materials, will allow events to be held in environmentally responsible spaces that reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability (Eco-Business, 2021).
Sustainable Transportation: The development of new sustainable transportation options, such as electric vehicles, will allow events to reduce their carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation practices (Eco-Business, 2021).
Eco-Friendly Catering: The growth of sustainable food and beverage options, combined with advancements in technology for tracking and sourcing environmentally responsible food, will make it easier for event organizers to offer eco-friendly catering options (Eco-Business, 2021).
Circular Economy: The integration of circular economy principles into events, such as the use of recycled materials and closed-loop waste management systems, will promote sustainability and reduce waste (Green Meeting Industry Council, 2021).
Carbon Offsetting: The development of new and improved carbon offsetting technologies will make it easier for events to offset their carbon emissions, reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability (Eco-Business, 2021).
Water Management: The integration of smart water management systems and the use of water-saving technologies will allow events to optimize their water usage, reducing waste and promoting sustainability (Eco-Business, 2021).
Sustainability Tracking and Reporting: Advances in sustainability tracking and reporting technology will make it easier for events to measure and report their sustainability impact, promoting accountability and transparency in the events industry (Eco-Business, 2021).
Challenges and Opportunities for Event Management Using Technology for Sustainability
Although technology has the potential to greatly enhance sustainability in the festival and event tourism industry, there are also challenges that must be addressed. One challenge is the cost associated with implementing sustainable technologies, which may not be affordable for smaller events and festivals (Nunkoo et al., 2015). Additionally, there is a lack of standardization and best practices for using technology for sustainability, leading to inconsistent and potentially ineffective efforts (Rashid & Brouder, 2012).
Despite these challenges, there are also significant opportunities for event management to use technology for sustainability. By incorporating sustainable technologies, event managers can improve their reputation and attract more environmentally conscious consumers (Nunkoo et al., 2015). Furthermore, sustainable events can also lead to cost savings, such as reducing energy and water usage and decreasing the amount of waste generated (Rashid & Brouder, 2018).
Role of Festivals and Events in Mitigating Climate Change
Festivals and events have the potential to play a significant role in mitigating climate change. By incorporating sustainable technologies and practices, festivals and events can reduce their carbon footprint and serve as a model for sustainability for other industries and consumers (Liu et al., 2017). Additionally, events can be used to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and inspire individuals to make changes in their own lives (Rashid & Brouder, 2012).
Festivals and events can serve as powerful platforms for raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and inspiring individuals to make changes in their own lives. This is because festivals and events often bring together large groups of people who are open to new experiences and ideas. By showcasing sustainable practices and highlighting the impact that small changes can have on the environment, events can help promote sustainability and encourage individuals to adopt more environmentally responsible habits.
For example, events can feature exhibits, workshops, and speakers that focus on sustainability topics, such as waste reduction, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation. They can also provide attendees with practical tips and resources for reducing their own environmental impact, such as recycling guidelines, green transportation options, and information on local environmental organizations. By engaging attendees and raising awareness about the importance of sustainability, events can inspire individuals to make changes in their own lives and promote a more sustainable future (Rashid & Brouder, 2012).
Conclusion
In conclusion, festival and event tourism are facing significant challenges and opportunities in response to the effects of climate change. By incorporating technology to support sustainability, event managers can mitigate the impact of their events on the environment and serve as a model for sustainability. However, the implementation of sustainable technologies must be approached with caution and with the consideration of potential challenges and costs. Festivals and events have the potential to play a significant role in mitigating climate change, and it is the responsibility of event managers to take advantage of this opportunity and lead the way towards a more sustainable future.
References
Eco-Business. (2018). 5 ways technology is making events more sustainable. Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/5-ways-technology-is-making-events-more-sustainable/
Eco-Business. (2019). How technology is transforming sustainable catering in the events industry. Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-technology-is-transforming-sustainable-catering-in-the-events-industry/
Eco-Business. (2021). How technology is set to transform sustainable events in the future. Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-technology-is-set-to-transform-sustainable-events-in-the-future
Eventbrite. (2018). How technology is making events more sustainable. Retrieved from https://www.eventbrite.com/blog/how-technology-is-making-events-more-sustainable-ds00/
Green Meeting Industry Council. (2019). Sustainable events: The role of technology. Retrieved from https://www.greenmeetings.info/sustainable-events-the-role-of-technology/
Green Meeting Industry Council. (2020). Virtual events and sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.greenmeetings.info/virtual-events-and-sustainability/
Green Meeting Industry Council. (2021). The future of sustainable events: Emerging trends and technologies. Retrieved from https://www.greenmeetings.info/the-future-of-sustainable-events-emerging-trends-and-technologies/
Liu, J., Li, X., & Du, X. (2017). Technology-supported sustainable tourism: A review. Tourism Management, 58, 222-236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2015.03.007
Mashable. (2014). 5 ways technology is making events greener. Retrieved from https://mashable.com/2014/03/05/technology-green-events/#uT7i1jY3uqqs
Nunkoo, R., & Ramkissoon, H. (2015). Social media and sustainable tourism. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-073-320221029
Rashid, M., & Brouder, P. (2012). Tourism and sustainable development: New tourism in the Third World. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.24191/myse.v9i1.17295
Rashid, M., & Brouder, P. (2018). Tourism and sustainable development revisited. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2018.02.002
