Examples of the effect, both positive and negative, of mega events like the FIFA world cup, Olympics, Expos, etc on the urban fabric of the venue cities, regions and countries.
The concept of Mega-events has been around for centuries, and the idea of large-scale events that unite people worldwide has gained momentum in recent years. Mega-events, such as the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and Expos, have a long-lasting imprint on the urban fabric of the cities, regions, and countries that host them. The impact of such events can be positive and negative, depending on the perspective of those involved. One of the most apparent positive impacts of mega-events on the urban fabric of the host cities, regions, and countries is the influx of people and money accompanying them. For example, the FIFA World Cup occurs every four years and brings together millions of people worldwide. This influx of people significantly impacts the local economy, as visitors spend money on accommodations, meals, transportation, and other services. In addition, the host city and country often experience increased tourism and investment due to the event. For instance, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil resulted in an estimated $12 billion in economic activity (Andrade & Carvalho, 2018).
Furthermore, mega-events often allow cities to showcase themselves to a global audience; this can increase investment as investors and companies recognize the city's potential. Moreover, the host city may use the event to improve infrastructure and create new attractions. For example, Rio de Janeiro built new stadiums, parks, and public transportation systems in preparation for the 2016 Olympics (Lima, 2017). In this way, mega-events can improve cities' infrastructure and attract more investment. However, mega-events can also negatively affect the urban fabric of the host cities, regions, and countries.
One of the primary concerns is the cost associated with hosting such events. For example, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil cost the country an estimated $14 billion (Andrade & Carvalho, 2018). Also, mega-events often require large-scale construction projects, which can result in the displacement of residents and disruption of ecosystems. For instance, the construction of stadiums and other infrastructure for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil caused the removal of approximately 40,000 people (Lima, 2017). Mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and Expos have a lasting imprint on the urban fabric of the host cities, regions, and countries. While such events can provide economic benefits and an opportunity to showcase cities, they can also be costly and cause displacement of residents and disruption of ecosystems. Thus, it is essential to consider the potential impacts of mega-events before hosting them.
References:
Andrade, D., & Carvalho, M. (2018). The Economic Impact of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Brazilian Economic Journal, 12(1), 1-23.
Lima, L. (2017). The 2016 Olympics and Its Legacy for Rio de Janeiro. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 41(1), 37–51.
One of the most blatantly positive consequences on the urban fabric of the host cities, regions, and countries is the influx of individuals and resources that comes with mega-events. As an example, consider the FIFA World Cup, which is held every four years and draws millions of spectators from all around the world.