World university games–1993 at buffalo (new york): Boosting its tourism industry or missing an opportunity–an international marketing perspective

The city of Buffalo in western New York hosted the 1993 World University Games for the first time in the U.S. These games, second only to the Olympics in the world of sports, offered Buffalo a once-in-a-lifetime chance to foster tourism growth by correcting its negative tourist image. Unfortunately, the local community and some media and political leaders consistently derided the World University Games in Buffalo. Despite great efforts by the organizing committee and dedicated volunteers, the games failed to stimulate the local enthusiasm needed for total success.