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Games bid tourism "Think Tank"
A Tourism Society "Think Tank" and open consultation among tourism industry professionals has been launched to examine the key issues for tourism, from staging the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Britain’s bid must be submitted in 2004 (preliminary in January, detail in November). The Think Tank will examine the key issues that can ensure that London’s is the strongest bid on tourism-related criteria, for competitors, officials and spectators, and to maximise long-term tourism gain for Britain if it wins.
The Tourism Society says the viability of Britain’s bid for the 2012 Olympics is crucially dependent on tourism, both financially and in its ability to demonstrate its world-class qualities as hosts.
"While the main focus of planning for the bid and the Games is on creating the sports facilities and the associated infrastructure of accommodation, access and transport…it is the opportunity for massive gains in tourism, before, during and for years after the Games, that makes the financial risk worthwhile.
"Surveys after the successful Sydney Olympics have estimated that £2.5bn of the overall £4bn benefit to Australia, is from tourism."
The 60 participants at the initial Think Tank discussion agreed a list of key tourism topics, which, with others, will be reviewed over the next few weeks.
Input is invited from all tourism professionals who would like to contribute to the process. The outcome of the review will be given to the British Olympic Committee, the London Bid Company and the LDA, to inform the bid process and to help in planning for the Games.
Key topics for tourism include: a comparative assessment of the tourism attributes of the bidding cities; an accurate assessment of required additional tourism facilities; London and Britain’s image as a tourism destination; meeting the accommodation requirements; sustainability and after-uses for tourism-related facilities; maximising the London "Gateway" role for Britain; transportation efficient and quality and global marketing, branding and media liaison arrangements.
Participation in the process is open to all in the tourism industry. E-mail [email protected] to register your interest or view www.tourismsociety.org