The benefits of the European Capital of culture in the host city : a comparison between Liverpool and Riga

Abstract

Hosting the ECoC events are often a unique opportunity for a city. Many benefits can be absorbed by a nominated city both during its build up period for the title year, as well as after the events end. Proper strategies used by cities have resulted in many positive effects especially in the social, cultural and economic fields. Many ECoC managed to develop a new infrastructure and a better image of the city which resulted in an increase in tourism, not only during the title year but even afterwards. This study also looks into the long term effects of hosting the ECoC, focusing on providing a comparison between Liverpool and Riga who hosted the events in 2008 and 2014 respectively.