The increase in global tourism is associated with increased expectations for memorable experiences, making events crucial in modern cultural tourism. Events are not only significant to tourism but also integral to human society, reflecting a growing global phenomenon driven by the events industry. The role and importance of events in contemporary tourism, including their origins, classifications, tourist value, impacts, and outcomes, are widely studied and debated in the literature.

Historically, events have been part of human culture since ancient times, with festivals serving various social and religious purposes up to large commercial and business events.

The diversity and scale of cultural events, whether planned or unplanned, their size and economic purpose underline that events can contribute to the expansion and diversification of tourism by attracting new visitors, promoting the identity of destinations, strengthening the cohesion of local communities, the prosperity and prospects of small businesses and the regional and sub-regional workforce. The socio-economic impact of the events is diverse and often changing: from material and spiritual benefits, such as increased revenues for businesses and local governments as well as individuals, to feelings of community pride, education and creativity, and the revalorization of historical symbols and meanings. At the same time, researchers and leaders of civic organizations are also sounding the alarm on the challenges and potential negative effects of exacerbating the exploitation of events, including cultural ones, for profit - such as over-commercialization, damage to the environment and cultural traditions, ignoring local sustainable alternatives, etc.

Our research underlines that detailed knowledge of these effects, strategic planning and community involvement are essential tools for maximizing the positive impact of cultural events on tourism and local communities, while increasing visitor satisfaction, the success of tourism businesses and the fair and sustainable promotion of destinations.

Keywords: Cultural tourism, cultural events, economic impact, social impact.