Author: Boyko, Christopher T.

Source: Event Management, Volume 11, Number 4, 2008 , pp. 161-177(17)

Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation

Abstract:

Tourist hallmark events can dramatically impact a host community and their livelihood. Previous research, however, has not examined hallmark event impacts on residents' place meanings. A case study was undertaken in Brugge, Belgium, to understand how the 2002 European Capital of Culture program impacted the place meanings of residents. A mail survey and interviews examined residents' perceptions of the hallmark event and the city. Findings revealed that residents did not feel their needs were being met before and during the hallmark event. Many residents believed that tourists were the main focus of the cultural year and that host ideas and local culture were spurned in favor of outside initiatives. Meanings for Brugge were mainly negative or neutral as a result. Recommendations from this study include working with hosts early on in hallmark event organization and carefully considering the short- and long-term consequences of hosting hallmark events in small, tourist-historic cities.

Keywords: TOURIST HALLMARK EVENTS; EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE; PLACE MEANING; CASE STUDY; RESIDENTS

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/152599508785899910

Publication date: 2008-09-01

More about this publication?

• Event Management, an International Journal, intends to meet the research and analytic needs of a rapidly growing profession focused on events. This field has developed in size and impact globally to become a major business with numerous dedicated facilities, and a large-scale generator of tourism. The field encompasses meetings, conventions, festivals, expositions, sport and other special events. Event management is also of considerable importance to government agencies and not-for-profit organizations in a pursuit of a variety of goals, including fund-raising, the fostering of causes, and community development.

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