International exhibitions and urban renewal: Zaragoza's Expo 2008 on 'Water and Sustainable Development'

Over recent years Spain has acquired a reputation for water management (Garrido and Llamas 2007); it is therefore not surprising that Zaragoza should have won the bid to host Expo 2008, with the theme Agua y desarrollo sostenible. After exploring Zaragoza's credentials as host for such an event, and in particular one with the theme of water and sustainable development, this article reviews other landmark events hosted in Spain, and the attractions and potential advantages to be derived from holding such events. It focuses on Zaragoza's strategic geographical position, and the city's role as a catalyst for economic development in Aragn and beyond, before asking to what extent Zaragoza achieved the desired aims of urban renewal and the raising of environmental awareness. It highlights some of the controversy surrounding the exhibition and invites readers to contribute to the Open Forum, particularly on the economic and environmental aspects.