Sustainable Branding of Host Cities: Lifecycle Management and Strategic Governance of Mega-Sporting Events: -- A Case Study of Chengdu 2025 World Games

Jiayu Zhang; Chi Huang

doi:10.54097/ds16g182

Authors

Jiayu Zhang
Chi Huang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/ds16g182

Keywords:

Mega-Sporting Events, Destination Branding, Lifecycle Management, Strategic Governance, Sustainable Tourism, Chengdu 2025 World Games, Brand Equity

Abstract

In an era of intense inter-urban competition, mega-sporting events function as powerful accelerators for the branding of host cities. This study adopts a lifecycle management perspective to investigate the strategic governance of the Chengdu 2025 World Games and its multifaceted impact on the city’s sustainable tourism brand. Employing a mixed-methods design that integrates a longitudinal case study with comparative benchmarking and quantitative data synthesis, the paper analyzes the evolution of Chengdu’s brand equity from pre-event planning to post-event legacy. Findings reveal that while the event significantly enhanced international visibility and catalyzed infrastructure modernization, it also introduced risks such as the post-event “depression effect” and tourist displacement. To institutionalize the event’s benefits, this research proposes a Tripartite Collaborative Governance model (Government-Business-Society) operationalized through a multi-dimensional Key Performance Indicator (KPI) framework. This study offers a replicable strategic roadmap for emerging cities aiming to leverage mega-events for enduring brand equity and sustainable urban development.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] Getz, D., Page, S. J.(2016). Event studies: Theory, research and policy for planned events (3rd ed.). Routledge, 210–215.

[2] Crompton, J. L.(2006). Economic impact studies: Instruments for political shenanigans? Journal of Travel Research, 45(1), 67–72.

[3] Keller, K. L.(2013). Strategic brand management: Building, measuring, and managing brand equity.4th edn. Pearson Education, 56–60.

[4] Zhang, J. J., Pitts, B. G.(2018). The global sport economy: Contemporary issues. World Scientific, 102–105.

[5] Preuss, H.(2015). The event legacy: Meaning and measurement. Routledge, 15–18.

[6] Pappas, N.(2014). Economic tourism impacts, community perception and development. Tourism Management 42, 31–34.

[7] Junyi J. (2025). Short-term Effects and Long-Term Values: A Dual Path Analysis of the Impact of Sports Events on Urban Brands. (eds.) Abstracts of the Third Sichuan Provincial Sports Science Conference in 2025 (pp.32-33). Chengdu Sport University.

[8] Aoun, A. J., El-Haddad, G. W.(2020). Marketing mega-events: Tourism, image, and the city. Palgrave Macmillan, 88–92.

[9] Ting W. (2023). Research on the Utilization and Business Development Countermeasures of Sports Venues after Sports Events Stationery and Science & Technology, (03), 83-85.

[10] Yibo L., Yan W. (2025). Research on the Strategies for the Coordinated Development of Sports Events and Tourist Attractions in Tai’an Area Stationery and Science & Technology, (22), 28-30.

[11] Freeman, R. E. (2010). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Cambridge University Press, 24–27.

[12] Xinyu Z., Bin L., Ruitao R., Wei G. (2025). Research on the Renovation Model of Urban Sports Venues Driven by Large and Medium-sized Events: A Case Study of Xi ‘an’s Multi-Stage Development Practice. (eds.) Proceedings of the 2025 Academic Annual Conference of the Architectural Society of China (pp.425-431). School of Architecture, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology China Northwest Architectural Design & Research Institute Co., LTD.

[13] Kaplan, R. S., Norton, D. P. (1996). The balanced scorecard: Translating strategy into action. Harvard Business Press, 43–48.

[14] Bo R. (2025). The Value Connotation and Practical Path of Sports Events Entering Scenic Sports, Neighbors and Commercial Districts. Sports science research, 29 (6), 42-48. https: // doi.org/ 10. 19715/ j. tiyukexueyanjiu.2025.06.005.

[15] Hongjun Z., Lin Z. (2013). Research on the Responsibility and Image of the Host Government of Large-scale Sports Events. Journal of Shenyang Sport University, 32–37.