The decision has been made. Copenhagen will host the next Eurovision Song Contest.
But why Copenhagen? Here are some of the factors that may have influenced Danish broadcaster DK in its choice.
* Tourism
Copenhagen is a popular and accessible tourist destination with many established hotels, attractions and a rich nightlife and is therefore in a good position to capitalise on the 20-30,000 extra visitors to the city attending Eurovision events. Arguably more so than the other cities vying to host the contest.
* Green Capital 2014
Copenhagen will hold the title of the European Commission’s Green Capital 2014. Hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in the same year will provide a unique opportunity to market Denmark as a leading city in terms of climate and energy issues. The contest will be another opportunity to draw Europe’s attention to Copenhagen’s green credentials.
* Party city
Many other events are due to take place in Copenhagen that will coincide with Eurovision such as the Copenhagen Carnival and a festival called Cook Copenhagen. These events will take on a Eurovision theme, helping the party spread throughout the city. Again, this will allow Copenhagen to reaffirm its status as a must-go destination for party-goers and gastronomers alike.
With 170million television viewers, the Eurovision Song Contest is a gift to any city’s tourist board. It is estimated that last year’s contest generated $160million for the Swedish city of Malmö. Doubtless, Copenhagen will be looking to capitalise on the event both in the short-term money brought in by guests to the city next May, and also in keeping the city top-of-mind for tourists in the months and years after 2014’s final song has been sung and its winner crowned.
