London Olympic tourism action plan launched
Tourism and hospitality businesses have been invited to take part in a consultation on tackling the economic downturn, and making the most of the 2012 London Olympic Games.
The London Development Agency (LDA) has launched the consultation on its London Tourism Action Plan 2009-13, which covers promoting the capital, improving visitor information, accommodation and workforce development.
The action plan highlights the advantages the weak pound could bring in attracting European and American tourists, as well as the potential to create an Olympic legacy for the area.
The LDA strategy also proposes using the 2012 Games to capture the emerging tourist markets of India, China and Brazil as well as developing a Host City Welcome in the lead up to the event.
Audrey Slade, LDA director of business, jobs and international, said London was in a "formidable position" with the next four years representing an "unprecedented opportunity to jump ahead further as a global visitor destination".
She said: "The downturn has created higher demand from American and European visitors, while the 2012 Games will boost London's profile across the world. We have to ensure we are in the best position to harness these opportunities through the action plan so that the economic benefits are felt for years to come."
The draft London Tourism Action Plan is released to day, with a closing date of the 19th May 2009 for feedback. It can be found on the LDA website.
In 2007 London saw more than 15 million overseas visits - more than New York and Paris combined - with10 million domestic visits. This activity supported 253,000 jobs and brought an injection of £15b.
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By Gemma Sharkey
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