Citizens’ motivation and attitude as potential host volunteers in the preparatory years of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture Programme

This study is focusing on volunteering as a host in the local tourism industry. The Hungarian city, Veszprém and Lake Balaton region won title ‘Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture’ (hereinafter VEB2023 ECoC) 2018. Creating managing an effective volunteer programme one keys to success ECoC project. research aims uncover motivations willingness citizens potential volunteers their interest events during preparatory years. In 2020, online offline survey was conducted answer following questions: Are those interested proposed more likely host? they willing remain until beyond 2023? Does prestige VEB motivate residents be volunteers? May case carried out opportunities for students University Pannonia participate programme. findings practical recommendations help develop successful, sustainable smoothly operating system its surroundings, can beneficial other future Capitals Culture or major event organisers well.