£3 million from Olympic budget to boost domestic tourism in 2012 and beyond
Jeremy Hunt announces new investment that will ensure an economic legacy for the whole country.
Three million pounds from the Olympic budget is to be used to boost domestic tourism to maximise the economic legacy of the London’s Games for the whole country.
The investment, announced today by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, will kick start a new tourism campaign to make the most of the Torch Relay and the Cultural Olympiad to showcase the whole nation.
Over the next 3 years it is expected to deliver:
- 12,000 new jobs
- £500 million extra tourist spending
- 5.4 million more hotel rooms occupied
- a 10% increase in overnight short breaks
National tourism legacy
“London’s Olympic Games are a part of the Government’s drive to boost the country’s economy and have already delivered a huge economic legacy,” said Mr Hunt. “Businesses up and down the country have already benefited from the 75,000 Olympic contracts awarded, but we need to do more. The whole country is paying for the Games, and I want to make sure that the whole country benefits.”
“The UK has a wealth of stunning destinations on offer, whether it’s a weekend in Yorkshire, or a night in the Norfolk Broads, and I want us all to re-discover the wonderful attractions on our doorstep. The Olympic Torch Relay and the Cultural Olympiad will shine the spotlight on some of the most amazing parts of our country. It will be a fantastic opportunity for those areas to sell themselves to the world, boosting their local economies and creating jobs.”
VisitBritain are also leading a £100 million campaign to attract more overseas visitors to the UK which is expected to lead to four million extra international visitors over the next four years and £2 billion extra spend.