ABSTRACT

Festivals have been a part of most communities for a very long time dating as far back as 534<th>bc. Although some festivals are not place-bound, many celebrate the cultural resources of the host community. They represent various genres including music, food/beverage, film, arts and crafts, culture and heritage, to name a few. While festivals certainly make economic contributions to their host societies, they also have other impacts such as socio-cultural, political, physical (landscape and environmental). In addition, festivals also impact the host community’s and attendees’ well-being and the destination’s image. As technology and society evolve, attendees’ expectations continue to impact the future of the festival industry. Addressing these emerging trends is essential as they may influence attendees’ experiences and, thus, their loyalty.