Cultural Dimensions of Trade Fairs: A Longitudinal Analysis of Urban Development and Destination Loyalty in Thessaloniki
Trade fairs are not only commercial platforms but also catalysts for urban development, city branding, and international engagement. This longitudinal study analyzes data from trade fair exhibitors from China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Germany to examine how cultural differences influence...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Urban Science |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/7/237 |
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| author | Dimitris Kourkouridis Asimenia Salepaki |
| author_facet | Dimitris Kourkouridis Asimenia Salepaki |
| author_sort | Dimitris Kourkouridis |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Trade fairs are not only commercial platforms but also catalysts for urban development, city branding, and international engagement. This longitudinal study analyzes data from trade fair exhibitors from China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Germany to examine how cultural differences influence their experiences, satisfaction, and destination loyalty within the urban landscape of Thessaloniki. By adopting Social Exchange Theory (S.E.T.) as a framework, this research applies a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and in-depth interviews conducted over multiple years (2017–2024) at the 82nd, 86th, and 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (T.I.F.). The empirical material consists of 226 survey responses (116 from China, 44 from the UAE, and 84 from Germany) and 52 semi-structured interviews, analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics, alongside thematic interpretation of qualitative data. Findings reveal distinct exhibitor expectations. These cultural distinctions shape their perceptions of Thessaloniki’s infrastructure, services, and overall urban experience, influencing their likelihood to revisit or recommend the city. This study underscores the long-term role of trade fairs in shaping urban economies and offers insights into how cities can leverage international exhibitions for sustainable urban growth. Policy recommendations highlight the need for tailored infrastructural improvements, strategic city branding initiatives, and cultural adaptations to enhance exhibitor engagement and maximize the economic impact of global events. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-97edc6a326c54e3bbbebb8dd2c7db16f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2413-8851 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Urban Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-97edc6a326c54e3bbbebb8dd2c7db16f2025-08-20T03:56:47ZengMDPI AGUrban Science2413-88512025-06-019723710.3390/urbansci9070237Cultural Dimensions of Trade Fairs: A Longitudinal Analysis of Urban Development and Destination Loyalty in ThessalonikiDimitris Kourkouridis0Asimenia Salepaki1School of Spatial Planning and Development, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, GreeceBusiness and Exhibition Research and Development Institute, 546 36 Thessaloniki, GreeceTrade fairs are not only commercial platforms but also catalysts for urban development, city branding, and international engagement. This longitudinal study analyzes data from trade fair exhibitors from China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Germany to examine how cultural differences influence their experiences, satisfaction, and destination loyalty within the urban landscape of Thessaloniki. By adopting Social Exchange Theory (S.E.T.) as a framework, this research applies a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and in-depth interviews conducted over multiple years (2017–2024) at the 82nd, 86th, and 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (T.I.F.). The empirical material consists of 226 survey responses (116 from China, 44 from the UAE, and 84 from Germany) and 52 semi-structured interviews, analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics, alongside thematic interpretation of qualitative data. Findings reveal distinct exhibitor expectations. These cultural distinctions shape their perceptions of Thessaloniki’s infrastructure, services, and overall urban experience, influencing their likelihood to revisit or recommend the city. This study underscores the long-term role of trade fairs in shaping urban economies and offers insights into how cities can leverage international exhibitions for sustainable urban growth. Policy recommendations highlight the need for tailored infrastructural improvements, strategic city branding initiatives, and cultural adaptations to enhance exhibitor engagement and maximize the economic impact of global events.https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/7/237urban developmentdestination loyaltysocial exchange theoryM.I.C.E. tourismexhibitor satisfactiontrade fairs |
| spellingShingle | Dimitris Kourkouridis Asimenia Salepaki Cultural Dimensions of Trade Fairs: A Longitudinal Analysis of Urban Development and Destination Loyalty in Thessaloniki Urban Science urban development destination loyalty social exchange theory M.I.C.E. tourism exhibitor satisfaction trade fairs |
| title | Cultural Dimensions of Trade Fairs: A Longitudinal Analysis of Urban Development and Destination Loyalty in Thessaloniki |
| title_full | Cultural Dimensions of Trade Fairs: A Longitudinal Analysis of Urban Development and Destination Loyalty in Thessaloniki |
| title_fullStr | Cultural Dimensions of Trade Fairs: A Longitudinal Analysis of Urban Development and Destination Loyalty in Thessaloniki |
| title_full_unstemmed | Cultural Dimensions of Trade Fairs: A Longitudinal Analysis of Urban Development and Destination Loyalty in Thessaloniki |
| title_short | Cultural Dimensions of Trade Fairs: A Longitudinal Analysis of Urban Development and Destination Loyalty in Thessaloniki |
| title_sort | cultural dimensions of trade fairs a longitudinal analysis of urban development and destination loyalty in thessaloniki |
| topic | urban development destination loyalty social exchange theory M.I.C.E. tourism exhibitor satisfaction trade fairs |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/7/237 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT dimitriskourkouridis culturaldimensionsoftradefairsalongitudinalanalysisofurbandevelopmentanddestinationloyaltyinthessaloniki AT asimeniasalepaki culturaldimensionsoftradefairsalongitudinalanalysisofurbandevelopmentanddestinationloyaltyinthessaloniki |