Less than a year before the Olympic Games begin, the Welsh government has admitted it has no tourism strategy related to the event – and no strategy aimed at the benefits for Welsh business.
The admissions have been made to the Welsh Conservatives following a Freedom of Information request.
Last month, in his response to a separate written question, the First Minister claimed Visit Wales’ 2012 advertising campaign will not target anyone with an interest in the Games – instead stressing that Wales is still ‘open for business’.
Shadow Minister for Sport, Mohammad Asghar AM, said:
“Wake up Carwyn – there’s something of a sports event taking place next year.
“This lame and dismissive approach to the benefits the Olympic Games can bring is becoming increasingly worrying.
“It’s about time the Welsh Labour government understood that the Games are the world’s foremost sporting competition – and the benefits are there to be secured.
“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.
“The opening event will be held here. 4,700 medals will be made here. A number of teams are basing their training camps here.
“Yet there is no tourism strategy and no thought given to the benefits for business. That’s not just scandalous – it’s completely useless.
“Following what experts have labelled a ‘mixed summer’ for tourism this year, Labour should be taking proactive steps to support and nurture the industry – paying particular attention to next year’s worldwide event.”
