To be European Capital of Culture can bring enormous benefits to the city among them are: cultural, social and economic. These benefits are both for the same year and also subsequently. This it is a unique opportunity to regenerate cities, changing its image and also to make them better known by the Europeans and also at a international level, which can promote the development of tourism.

According to some of the cities that have obtained their title of the European Capital of Culture, each Euro spent on it can generate from 8 to 10 euro’s extra. Therefore, the event can contribute to both growth and employment.

A European Capital of Culture is not only designated for where it is located or what it does. First of all, is headed by the special cultural events and programs proposed to be organized during the year in question, which must be an exceptional year. In this sense, the concept of capital is totally different of for example, the World Heritage of the UNESCO. Therefore, any submission of application, as the city's tourist brochure would be inappropriate.

The program of the year as the European Capital of Culture should be exceptional: it will be created, especially for the title. Some candidates have been carried away by the temptation to raise the cultural events organized in the city, on a recurring basis in a whole, under the heterogeneous designation as European Capital of Culture, or simply to highlight its architectural heritage. Such entries have not been selected.

"The event is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in the cultural field and to promote sustained dialogue at a European level. This should emphasize the common aspects and diversity of the European cultures. For cultural diversity we also understand wealth provided by the entire resident population, migrants or newly arrived from European countries as from outside Europe, this is an aspect where Las Palmas of Gran Canaria has a lot to say.

Las Palmas of Gran Canaria is the first European city belonging to a remote region that it is elected for the title of the European Capital of Culture.