Pre-Games perceptions of Rio de Janeiro residents towards the 2016 Olympic Games

Abstract

Between 2014 and 2016, the city of Rio de Janeiro hosted two major world sporting mega events - the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics - generating several changes in the city. This study aims to analyze the perception of residents in the city of Rio de Janeiro in the pre-Olympic period. A quantitative survey was conducted face to face with a sample of 404 residents of Rio de Janeiro, exactly one year before the Olympic Games. The data indicate that the period prior to completion of the Games was troubling for residents in view of the doubts and uncertainties regarding the possible legacy. In fact, the population suffers impacts in their routine, either by transit or by various news media that generate expectation and apprehension in the different sectors of society. The pre-Olympic period was marked by demonstrations, concern about overspending, delays of works, a great fear of suspicion about the success of the mega event, much like the pre-Cup period, but especially by a worsening of the political and economic crisis in Brazil and corruption. However, in the perception of the resident, an evident expectation is the legacy to tourism, destination and visibility in lasting improvements for tourism and sport.