Full Citation
Title: EVENT TOURISM AS A STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING CITY IMAGE
Citation Type: Dissertation/Thesis
Publication Year: 2019
ISBN:
ISSN:
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.25131.18726
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Abstract: In a post manufacturing economy, many cities that have lost their industrial bases have fallen off the map as a destination for investment. As cities evolved, tourism emerged as an alternative source of revenue to supplement manufacturing decline. In addition, large events have come to be viewed as catalysts for urban regeneration. Over the years, Bridgeport has featured several cultural attractions, including the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo, Barnum Museum, and its Ballpark at Harbor Yard. While these attractions have served to cater to visitors year-round, they do little to set the City apart in terms of urban competitiveness. To address this, Bridgeport C.T. has chosen to incorporate event tourism into their strategic plan through the hosting of the Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival at Seaside Park. 1 1999 marked the first year that the Gathering of the Vibes Festival was hosted by the City. The “Gathering of the Vibes” (GOTV) festival is a four-day event that occurred annually from 1996 to 2015. During its infancy, the festival was held at various locations including SUNY Purchase, Red Hook and Mariaville. The GOTV first came to Bridgeport in 1999 but was forced to relocate in 2001 to allow for renovations to be made to Seaside Park. In 2007, with support from the City, the GOTV came back to Bridgeport where it settled into its official home at Seaside. The event was eventually discontinued in 2015 after a series of complications. This paper will serve to highlight the history of the City and the GOTV while exploring the lasting impacts the event has had on the image of the City and its community.
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Authors: Mazzotta, Luke R.
Institution: Pratt Institute
Department: City and Regional Planning
Advisor:
Degree: Master of Science
Publisher Location:
Pages: 80
Data Collections: IPUMS NHGIS
Topics: Land Use/Urban Organization, Other
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