Tourism, Events and Leisure Perspectives on the Eurovision Song Contest

This book explores Eurovision and its significance in tourism, events and leisure. Its main themes are: Eurovision tourism and event impacts; event personalities and fandom; and the politics of events. It is an essential guide to Eurovision’s big questions such as its longevity in the face of ongoing conflicts and its role in tourism promotion. Takes scholarship on the Eurovision Song Contest beyond the political/international relations angle. This book explores the Eurovision Song Contest and its significance within tourism, events and leisure studies. The volume considers three main themes: Eurovision tourism and event impacts; event personalities and fandom; and the power and politics of events. Within these broader themes, the chapters focus on issues such as the relationship between tourism and identity, especially through mechanisms of destination branding and nation-building; the interplay of soft power, cultural diplomacy and critical geopolitics; and the central role of LGBTQI+ tourism, fan cultures and camp aesthetics in shaping the event’s meanings. The book is an essential guide to Eurovision’s big questions such as its longevity in the face of ongoing conflicts and its vital role in tourism promotion.