Event Tourism as a Factor of Territorial Development: Typology, Classification, Conceptual Approaches

Event tourism occupies an increasingly significant place in the modern tourism activity system, combining cultural, economic, and social functions. Its impact on the spatial organization of territories, the formation of tourist flows, and the strengthening of local identity necessitates a scientific consideration of this phenomenon. The object of the study is event tourism as a component of the tourism system. The subject of the research includes the typological, classification, and conceptual characteristics of event tourism as a factor in the development of territories. The aim of the article is to research event tourism as a factor in the development of territories by analyzing its typological characteristics, classification signs, and conceptual approaches to the systematization of event formats. In the course of the research, methods of analysis, comparison, systematization, typologization, as well as structural-functional and comparative-geographical approaches were used. The results obtained: a systematization of classification approaches to event tourism has been carried out; the main criteria for event typology have been identified (theme, scale, frequency, sources of funding, organizers, level of involvement, target audience); the role of event formats in the spatial development of territories has been analyzed. Emphasis has been placed on the hybrid nature of modern events and the need for flexible classification models capable of responding to the dynamics of the tourism environment, especially in post-pandemic conditions. Conclusions: event tourism has significant potential as a tool for regional development, to activate sociocultural interaction and territorial branding. Its effective use requires conceptual clarity, clear classification of formats, and consideration of local resources. The approaches presented in the article provide a basis for further research and managerial decisions in the field of event tourism.