Welsh Conservatives will call on the Welsh Labour Government to improve its Olympics strategy and work harder to capitalise on the opportunities the event brings.
In an Assembly debate, the group will reiterate its regret that no clear strategy is in place to properly promote Wales during the event or target anyone with an interest in the Games.
Instead, Visit Wales will simply stress that the country is still ‘open for business’.
Welsh Conservatives want to see more top-class sporting events in Wales. 2011 manifesto – A New Voice for Wales – included a clear commitment to support bids for a Champions League Final and the Commonwealth Games.
Shadow Minister for Sport, Mohammad Asghar AM, said:
“The Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world. The opening event will be held in Wales. 4,700 medals will be made in Wales. A number of teams are basing their training camps in Wales.
“Yet as far as tourists are concerned – Wales is simply ‘open for business’ – despite the Olympics. Neither does it appear any thought has been given to how businesses can capitalise.
“Welsh Conservatives do not believe that’s doing this event – and the vast benefits it brings – any justice at all. Simply, we’re losing out because Labour can’t be bothered.
“There are health benefits too. Major events like this create a demand for sporting activities. This should be used to help get more people involved and increase the health of our nation.
“While the government should have done more to lobby for a prominent role for Wales, our involvement in the Olympics should still be used as a catalyst for promoting the country.”
