SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF CULTURAL RESHAPING ON A CITY’S HOSPITALITY ENTERPRISES

Abstract

This study aims to detect the synergistic relations between the dynamics of the hospitality industry and a city’s efforts towards cultural revitalization, as a main part of its general urban regeneration. To this end, we analyse in detail the case of Bilbao, which in 2010 was awarded the Lee Kwan New World City Prize. This European city has extensive experience in territory and urban regeneration, and a significant leadership record in the cultural realm. Our analyses draw on a series of in-depth interviews with managers from the hospitality, commercial, cultural and public sectors. Another central aim of this paper is to gather conclusions that may be extrapolated to similar contexts and to offer recommendations for action both to the hospitality industry and to public bodies.