Quantitative comparative analysis on the cultural tourism-financial potential of creative cities (on the example of Debrecen, Győr and Veszprém)

Abstract

The European Capital of Culture (ECOC) programme series aims to present the diversity of European culture, focusing on the cultural values and dimensions of cities. In 2023, Debrecen, Győr and Veszprém, as Hungarian applicants, entered the second round of the selection procedure. Although most attention is focused on the cultural programs of the project year, the project application phase is also exciting, as applicant cities can present their plans, development ideas and potentials in the field of culture. The study compares the creative aspirations and cultural potential of these 3 cities, exploring the cultural visions, strengths and weaknesses of these culturally outstandingly ambitious cities, mainly using quantifiable indicators. The authors developed and applied a survey model having 14 indicators for a quantitative comparative analysis of the cultural, tourism and financial potential of the three cities. Comparing 2 large and 1 medium-sized cities in Hungary, the authors conclude that not only in Central and Eastern Europe, but also in Hungary, stronger efforts are made to have culturally rich and creative cities.