The Carryover Effect of Newspaper Reports on a Mega Event: Ex Post Analysis of the 2012 Expo Yeosu Korea

This study identifies variables affecting daily attendance at the 2012 Expo Yeosu, Korea, emphasizing the role the newspapers and promotions played during the Expo. A polynomial distributed lag model is estimated to determine the factors influencing daily attendance at the Expo. Results indicate that the variables of Saturday and first and second days of holidays, peak vacation season, media, and promotions have a significant positive effect on the number of visitors to the Expo. Discounted tickets increase the average daily attendance by approximately 27,000 visitors. Newspaper reports have a positive effect on attendance; more importantly, reports show carryover effects. The positive effect on attendance of a newspaper report increases up to the fourth day from the date of publication and then starts to decline. The effect of a newspaper report stops around the eighth day from the date of publication. The findings have practical implications for managing visitors to mega events.