Sports festivals as a gateway to leisure and tourism: A phenomenological analysis of lived experiences

Objective: Embedded within the broader system of "events," "festivals" stand out as social phenomena that can be part of diverse communities, extending their impact to individuals. Our focus has been specifically directed towards sports festivals, with a particular emphasis on the aspect of lived experiences. The objective of this study is to identify and examine the experiences of a cohort of adults who took part in a sports festival held in Austria in 2019, with a particular focus on exploring the leisure possibilities inherent in such events. Method: In this study, we have employed a triangulation approach by cross-referencing qualitative data derived from various methodological sources, encompassing participant observation, phenomenological interviews, and visual methods. Originality/Relevance: Sport has become a common leisure alternative, and combined with tourism, it has become the most popular leisure practice. After a scope review, recognizing the gap, this study seeks to integrate qualitative research—specifically a phenomenological approach—with a particular focus on the lived experience at a sports festivalMain results: Following the Phenomenological Analysis, we identified two salient units of meaning that are central to the objective of this article: A. "A great trip" and B. “Temporal Embodiment: Navigating Leisure Moments as a Communal and Individual Experience". Theoretical/methodological contributions: This study reinforces the role of gymnastics festivals in human development by examining lived experiences and their transformative potential in diverse social groups. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing well-being, education, and inclusion through non-competitive sporting experiences.