European City of Culture Graz 2003

Being awarded the title "European City of Culture" can have major effects on the future of a city. This book aims at analyzing the impacts of a cultural year on local tourism, using the example of Graz, European City of Culture in 2003. First, the reader is given essential information on the idea, history and selection process of European Cities of Culture. Subsequently, the City of Culture 2003 is presented in detail: The application process, budget, organization, objectives, infrastructural investments and the program. With the help of statistical analyses of visitor numbers in Graz, Styria, and at various cultural institutions and events, a quantitative evaluation of the national and international media response on the cultural year, and in-depth interviews with fifteen experts, the author answers three major questions: What effects on tourism did the city of Graz, the Graz 2003 organizers and tourism businesses expect? What changes were measurable? What can be predicted for the future? This book addresses tourism and culture professionals, tourism students, and all who are in involved in future European Cities of Culture.