Tourism firms told to prepare for Olympics
LEISURE and tourism businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been told by senior Olympic planners to start promoting themselves ahead of the 2012 Games.
Chris Foy, Visit Britain’s head of 2012 Games Unit, told companies tourism had undergone a difficult period and the Games were an ideal opportunity to focus on the future.
Speaking at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley during an event organised jointly by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism, Leisure and Conferencing (TLC) Group and the CW 2012 Partnership, he said: “Tourism across the world has fallen in the past couple of years but the signs are that the UK will start to get back towards its peak by the time 2012 comes around.
“Every region in the country has to prepare for 2012 and beyond that. The positive effect it will have on the tourism industry will go beyond the year of the Games.”
He said Coventry was likely to have a major presence in the Games as it had been selected as one of the host cities for the Games’ football tournament.
“It’s an opportunity that is simply too good to miss,” he added.
Dianne Williams, director of operations at the chamber and head of the TLC Group, said: “We can see how the world is watching South Africa at the moment and that will be us in two years’ time.
“Hosting the football at the Ricoh Arena – or the City of Coventry Stadium – is fantastic but there is still much more we are doing and can do.”
Tom Clift, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Manager for the 2012 Games, said the Games were a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire.
“This region, more than most, is really grasping London 2012 with both hands and there is so much going on to inspire businesses and communities to get involved and make the most of this fantastic event.
“Around 35 businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have already won contracts around the Games but leisure and tourism businesses have the chance to benefit from this for years to come,” he said.
Pictured at the event are, from left: Stephen Hammon, managing director of the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, Tom Clift, Chris Foy, Dianne Williams.
