The strategic role of cultural and heritage tourism in the context of a mega-event : the case of the 2010 Soccer World Cup

Abstract

Increasingly, tourism marketers and event organisers are acknowledging that the hosting of a mega-event can leave meaningful legacies for the people of the destination that extend far beyond the actual duration of the event. This research study proposes that one way to secure sustainable legacies for a host destination, is to leverage cultural and heritage tourism opportunities within the context of an event. Though, there is an indication that cultural and heritage tourism can play a major role in the event experience, a lack of information in this field currently limits the ability of host destinations to optimally leverage these opportunities. Based on this need for research in the combined field of cultural and heritage tourism and mega-events, the purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the potential contributions of cultural and heritage tourism within the context of a mega-event. The City of Tshwane, a key host city in the 2010 Soccer World Cup, has been selected as an appropriate case study for this research. During the secondary data collection process, various best-practice mega-event case studies were explored, to determine the contributions of cultural and heritage tourism within each event. Based on this analysis, six cultural and heritage tourism opportunities were identified. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were then utilised to obtain the views of stakeholders in the City of Tshwane regarding the potential cultural and heritage tourism opportunities in the hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Based on the findings from international and local best-practice case studies and stakeholder interviews, a model and strategic guidelines were developed to assist host destinations to optimally leverage cultural and heritage tourism opportunities in the hosting of an event. Critical success factors to optimally leverage these opportunities were also highlighted. This research study adds value to the existing body of knowledge in the fields of cultural and heritage tourism and mega-events and also provides additional perspectives in this regard. Finally, the City of Tshwane can become a role model for other host cities in leveraging cultural and heritage tourism opportunities within the context of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.