Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
Norfolk in line for tourism boost from London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, says culture secretary Jeremy Hunt
by DAN GRIMMER
Friday, January 20, 2012
3:30 PM
Norfolk can benefit from a massive tourism boost from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, culture secretary Jeremy Hunt said today.
Mr Hunt, secretary of state for culture, olympics, media and sport, was in Norwich for the launch of a £4m television campaign and website designed to lure tourists further afield than London when they visit for the games and to persuade British holidaymakers that home is where the heart is.
He hosted a summit at the OPEN venue in the city centre for local business and tourism providers to discuss the opportunities presented by 2012.
His visit to the Bank Plain venue was part of a government drive to help the UK make the most of tourism and business opportunities around the games.
The GREAT campaign also aims to encourage British people to holiday in England this year and in subsequent years.
He said: “Last year, nearly 10m visitors came to the East of England, supporting more than 240,000 jobs and generating £2bn through overnight stays. “Next year, with the Games and our biggest-ever tourism marketing campaign we can do even better. With the Torch Relay passing right through the area we have a once-in-a-generation chance to show the world the very best of Norwich and the East of England. “From the natural beauty of the Norfolk Broads, to cultural and historic sites like Holkham Hall and Gainsborough’s House and Michelin-starred restaurants like Morston Hall. the East of England has it all - and we need to make sure the whole world knows.”
Mr Hunt was joined by VisitNorwich chairman Caroline Jarrold, Essex County councillor Stephen Castle, the chairman of the East of England, London 2012 Nations and Region group), Martin Green, head of ceremonies at London 2012) and James Berresford, VisitEngland’s chief executive.
Ms Jarrold said: “The East of England is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the UK offering a wealth of different experiences for many types of visitor, whether to vibrant historic and cultural centres such as Norwich and Cambridge, the magnificent coastline of the countryside and the distinctive experiences of the Broads.”
Tourism is worth around £700m per year to the Norwich area, supports over 9,000 jobs and attracts around 9.9m visitors a year – 5.2m to Norwich alone.
• The 2012 Larking Gowen - EDP Tourism Business Survey is collecting information from organisations on the issues which matter.
Open until January 29, Larking Gowen chartered accountants and business advisors will help analyse the data before the results are presented during English Tourism Week in March.
You will be able to see the results online at www.edp24.co.uk/tourism survey, in the EDP and in a glossy brochure.
You can also take part at http://services.edp24.co.uk/norfolk/tourism-business-survey
• Don’t miss the next edition of the Evening News’s Olympic preview supplement, London Calling, on Tuesday, January 31.
8 comments
"London Olympics 2012" - says it all - whats that got to do with Norfolk - Nothing !
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Farquarson-Smythe
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Olympics are in London why would anyone want to go to Norfolk. There are so many nicer places to go such as the tip.
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Z:)
Saturday, January 21, 2012
That'll work. Perhaps we could form a gateway at the A11 near Elveden and invite the touring hordes to sign a visitors book on their way out. Be something nice to read to our grand children
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I ronnie
Saturday, January 21, 2012
I don't think there be next time IanN, the £19 billion plus, will never be recuperated and Britain will remain on austerity watch for many years...big up for nuLabour peeps.
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nrg
Friday, January 20, 2012
Only if the tourists want to avoid the London Olympics!! Norfolk has no events and no teams training here. Next time we should put our own bid in.
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IanofNorfolk
Friday, January 20, 2012
Only if the tourists want to avoid the London Olympics!! Norfolk has no events and no teams training here. Next time we should put our own bid in.
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IanofNorfolk
Friday, January 20, 2012
Only if the tourists want to avoid the London Olympics!! Norfolk has no events and no teams training here. Next time we should put our own bid in.
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IanofNorfolk
Friday, January 20, 2012
Still can't see connection of why bods would bother coming to Norfolk if their attending the games. London will be a nightmare for getting around due to the heightened security concerns. Maybe Norfolk should advertise and market itself, as a gateway away from the big brother games.
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nrg
Friday, January 20, 2012