The race to London 2012 begins

Tourism agencies Visit London and VisitBritain have both unveiled ambitious plans to bring the rest of the world to the United Kingdom in the run up to the London 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

On Sunday, London Mayor Boris Johnson and a host of celebrities attended a ceremony marking the close of the Beijing Games and the start of the build-up to the next event in England's capital.

This also triggered a four-year cultural Olympiad in which tourism officials plan to present the greatest aspects of British culture to a global audience.

VisitBritain is now fully engaged with maximising the economic potential that the Olympic Games can bring in terms of spreading awareness and excitement about Britain as a place to visit.

Its chairman, Christopher Rodrigues, said in a statement that "this weekend started a four-year, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to position a dynamic, vibrant and welcoming Britain as the best destination in the world".

"We will remind the nations of the world that Britain is the birthplace of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as sports like rugby, cricket and tennis".

"We will take the passion that Britain and its visitors hold for football, for sporting events like the Grand National, Wimbledon, the Henley Regatta, the London Marathon and the Great North Run, Wales' National Eisteddfod and the Braemar Highland Games to reinforce a vibrant image of Britain that appeals to tomorrow's travellers," he added.

Experts believe that the Olympics could generate £2 billion for the British visitor economy, with benefits being felt beyond the capital.

Travel Counsellors News posted on 27 August 2008

Have your say - Post a new Comment!

Heading:
Comment:
Anonymous:
Email:
Name:

Travel News

The race to London 2012 begins

Have your say - Post a new Comment!

British holidaymakers unfazed by credit crunch

New Zealand voted UK's top long-haul destination

Caribbean tourism well served despite XL closure