The Threat of Terrorism to Festival Tourism

Abstract

Introduction: Festival tourism is one of the most dynamically developing sectors of the modern tourism industry, exerting a significant impact on the economy and national image building. At the same time, due to their nature, mass events are increasingly exposed to the threats of global terrorism.

Aim of the study: To analyze the security of festival tourism, with a particular focus on terrorist threats. The study examines international security trends, relevant events after 2020, the situation in Hungary, and the legislative and institutional responses regarding the terrorist threats to festival tourism.

Methodology: The research is based on a complex methodology. It includes an analysis of specialized literature and legislation, the processing of three international case studies from after 2020 (Israel, Russia, Austria), and three qualitative in-depth expert interviews.

Results: The analysis reveals that the success of attacks against festivals can often be attributed to the misinterpretation of intelligence (e.g., "wishful thinking"), coordination deficiencies, or infrastructural failures. In Hungary, the bipolar model of counter-terrorism and the on-site, integrated securing of events create a security environment that is outstanding even by global standards. One of the study's key findings is that, alongside physical protection, the development of security awareness at a societal level is essential for averting future threats. Radicalization in the online space and the expansion of the "dark web" require new types of detection methods from authorities, which can only be maintained through continuous technological and methodical renewal. The summary emphasizes that the festival experience and high-level security are not mutually exclusive but rather reinforcing factors, based on strict professional protocols.

Conclusions: In the future, further strengthening of technology-based detection and international intelligence cooperation is necessary to maintain or enhance the security level of festival tourism. The study concludes that festival security is based on the symbiosis of organizational expertise, official precision, and participant security awareness. It is essential to continuously increase the security awareness of both organizers and authorities, while also forming and strengthening the security-conscious mindset of visitors. In the fight against terrorism, there is no room for half-measures. It is a fundamental principle that every piece of information and suspicious sign must be thoroughly investigated and clarified. This complex approach guarantees that festival tourism in Hungary remains not only an economic success but also represents a world-class, model-value system in terms of security at the European level.