Plannning for Resort Regeneration: The role of the Olympic 2012 bid for Weymouth and Portland, Dorset.

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Abstract

Events have become increasingly popular as tourist attractions, contributing to the opportunity for resort regeneration (Law, 1993). The ability to increase civic pride, community spirit and collective self-image through the hosting of events and the associated urban regeneration has only recently begun to be considered within the UK. This paper will analyse the potential participation of the various stakeholders in planning for resort regeneration. There needs to be three levels for successful tourism planning; national, regional strategic and local with all three levels being integrated to produce an adoptable strategic vision (Gunn, 1994). Feasibility studies should take a holistic approach, looking beyond the economic impacts and gather information regarding communities and special interest groups and if used effectively will develop good community relations, thereby overcoming objections (Getz, 1997). Furthermore, events should play a role in the destination tourism plan and that sound planning should accompany the pursuit of events rather than the irrationality often seen. The significance of events to schemes of urban regeneration has been recognised by the UK Government as seen in the £55m given to Manchester in 1994 to support its unsuccessful Olympic Bid but utilised for the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2002. This paper is based upon an MSc dissertation completed in 2004 for a Tourism and Planning Management Degree. The research was carried out in Weymouth and Portland, Dorset with the assistance of the Local Council, Chamber of Commerce, Sailing Authorities, Citizen’s Panel and individual citizens via questionnaires and interviews. The local council have drawn up comprehensive plans to ensure the potential hosting of the sailing element of the 2012 bid will have positive long-term legacies for the area. It is acknowledged that the area is in need of regeneration and a poll of residents had a 42% response rate. The local council recognise the significance of hosting festivals and events not only as generators of income but also as civic celebrations.

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• Plannning for Resort Regeneration: The role of the Olympic 2012 bid for Weymouth and Portland, Dorset. (deposited 04 May 2010 20:03)
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