The analysis of economic and non-economic impacts of organization of the 2011 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championship in Slovakia with emphasis on tourism

In the first part of this final thesis the theory of tourism events and their impact on the host destination is discussed, with particular focus on major sport events. Impacts are divided into two categories: economic and non-economic (socio-cultural, environmental, marketing impact and impact on infrastructure). These break into sub-categories and are described in detail. The second part of the thesis uses the theoretical knowledge outlined in part one to analyse the impact of a specific major sporting event -- the 2011 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championship that took place in Bratislava and Kosice in Slovakia. Emphasis is placed on analysing the effects the event had on the tourism sector in Slovakia. Having analysed both economic and non-economic impacts of the event, the thesis concludes that the overall impact of the event on the Slovak tourism sector was positive and the Slovak Republic can use this momentum in favour of further development of Slovak tourism sector