In 1998, Lisbon and Portugal received visitors to the World Exhibition from all over the world. To stage and manage such an event required considerable organising capacity, not least as one of the least appealing parts of the capital had been chosen for its location. The choice was consistent, however, with a well-considered vision of and strategy for the future of the city. Just over a year after the official closure of the EXPO a provisional evaluation is in order, not only of the number of visitors, but also of the social and economic effects. How far has the event helped to make Lisbon more attractive? What has the EXPO meant for the image of Lisbon and Portugal? What are the great challenges for the coming years? This article describes how Lisbon and Portugal have made use of the World Exhibition to increase their appeal to residents, companies and visitors, it aims to contribute to the "day after" discourse as regards the forthcoming Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
