Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; v. 2, n. 13,14 (2010); 695-706
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Resumo: “Mega-events” describe happenings of international importance and high profile which have a major impact on the image of the host city. These events supply prestige to the host cities, and afford a profile related with the welcomed activities, and a important tourism potential. If mega events are of a sufficiently high quality then people will be prepared to travel some distance to attend. The “European Culture Capital” (ECC) mega event was created with the main objectives of bringing close together the people of the EU member states through cultural expression, and to give the EU and its cities an attractive image. Nowadays is a powerful tool to attract cultural tourists, promote urban and economic renewal and development in the cities. In this paper we will analyse the importance of “ECC” event to cultural tourism development, cultural publics enlargement, city’s equipments renewal, residents pride generation and “local” creative industries enhancement. Through “Porto 2001” event and its realizations, a critical discussion will be developed. Several short and long run will be identified, as well as implications in terms of city’s image. In this case-study, we will also verify the aims’ heterogeneity that’s present in this events development, which not permeates an exclusive “tourism analysis”.
