Lessons Learned, Lessons Learning: Insights from the Calgary and Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games

Authors

J. R. Brent Ritchie, University of Calgary

Abstract

The intense competition among destinations to host the Olympic Games (both winter and summer), demonstrates the value that is attached to this type of mega-event. Despite this apparent importance, there is surprisingly little comprehensive research that rigorously assesses the value of the Olympics-particularly in terms of their contribution to long term community and tourism development. In addition, as researchers, we have failed to document the lessons learned from one Olympics Games to the next. The result is that many of the same errors are regularly repeated. This paper seeks to identify the lessons learned as a result of hosting the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Canada. It also seeks to provide some preliminary insights into the lessons we are learning as preparation for the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City proceeds.

Recommended Citation

Ritchie, J. R. Brent (1999) "Lessons Learned, Lessons Learning: Insights from the Calgary and Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games," Visions in Leisure and Business: Vol. 18: No. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/visions/vol18/iss1/2