WTM to launch Sports Tourism programme post-London 2012
World Travel Market (WTM) will review the success of London 2012 and assess the benefits and constraints of major sporting events for host nations.
The Sports Tourism programme, sponsored by Eurosport, starts on the first day of WTM, Monday, November, 5 with Tourism and the Olympic Games 2012 – A Review which will look at the impact the Games has had on London’s and the UK’s tourism industry.
Speakers will include European Tour Operators Association Tom Jenkins, who has been an outspoken critic of the impact the Olympic Games has had on tourism for host cities.
UKinbound chief executive Mary Rance will share her thoughts on the impact of the London games in the session.
The major sporting event theme continues on November 7 with Optimising the Tourism Benefits of Major Events for Host Nations which will ask what the major right holders (such as the International Olympic Committee and FIFA) should be doing to help deliver the potential tourism benefits.
Visit Britain chief executive Sandie Dawe will review the help VB received from the IOC.
The final session in the Sports Tourism programme looks at adventure tourism. The Future for Activity, Adventure and Sports Tourism panel of speakers includes Xola Consulting CEO Caroline Heyniger, Adventure Travel Trade Association vice president Chris Chesak and Wilderness Scotland director Paul Easto.
By Ian Jarrett
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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