London 2012 Olympics
An Opportunity for Kent Tourism
On 6 July 2005, the United Kingdom won the right to host the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, having shown
how London will offer a world-class stage to the world's greatest athletes.
Between 50 and 70% of the net economic benefit for staging the Games measured over a 7- 10 year period will accrue through tourism, with early estimates suggesting this might generate around £2bn for the international visitor economy of Britain. Almost two-thirds of this growth will occur in the four years after the Games. Focusing on what will be needed to achieve this growth within Kent , as well as a focus on getting the welcome offer right, are therefore the critical factors to delivering this tourism legacy with this county.
Visit Kent works with Kent 2012 Co-ordinating group on a dedicated tourism strategy.
Open Weekend
This year's Open Weekend will be from the 24-26th July 2010. This weekend is an annual UK-wide celebration which counts down to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the whole weekend there will be a range of activities from culture, sport, sustainability and learning. If you are an organisation or venue that would like to get involved, find out more on the London 2012 website.
Discovering Places
This year there is a chance to discover those hidden places within the county with ‘Discovering Places’. It is one of the major projects of the Cultural Olympiad. The first Discovering Places (1st – 3rd May 2010) will explore and showcase the historical, built and natural environment and landscape of the UK on a scale never seen before through a series of open days, participation and performance events. If you are interested in participating contact james.taylor@kent.gov.uk. Future dates include 23-25th July 2010, and 22-24th July 2011.
Kent Cultural Baton
The Kent Cultural Baton is the only one of its kind in the UK, and will travel throughout the county visiting festivals, organisations, individuals, schools and businesses in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Each host of the baton will embody one of the 21 different representations of ‘culture’ and ‘creativity’, from the worlds of art, science and heritage, to street theatre, music and the environment. If you are interested in hosting the Cultural Baton contact art@kent.gov.uk Find out more on how you can support the 2012 Olympics without breaching brand protection.
Kent Event team
The Kent eVent Team is a partnership between Kent County Council and the voluntary sector in Kent, aimed at recruiting volunteers for events and one-off sport, leisure and cultural activities across the county, including the build up to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in London.
Anyone organising an event in the voluntary, community or statutory sector in Kent (any event that is not for profit) is able to register and make a request for volunteers, as long as the event meets the basic requirements, for example in health and safety. For further information http://www.kenteventteam.org.uk
Register your interest for the London 2012 Games by visiting the London 2012 website.
To find out how you can support the London Olympics without breaching brand protection read A Practical Guide to Referring to the Games.
Useful Websites
Department of Culture, Media & Sport