Travel industry chiefs are trying to put the disappointment of England’s failed 2018 World Cup bid behind them today, claiming that the country’s tourism businesses will continue to thrive in spite of the missed opportunity to bring hundreds of thousands of football fans to the UK.
Mike Greenacre, managing director of The Co-operative Travel, said: "This is a big disappointment for the inbound tourism industry, which would have enjoyed a huge increase in visitor numbers and a massive cash injection.
"However, the 2012 Olympics will provide a great showcase for London and the UK, and previous sporting events have taught us that the halo effect that these events enjoy will continue to bring overseas visitors to the UK for many years."
VisitBritain market director Laurence Bresh congratulated Russia and said it’s not all bad news for Britain.
“We will remain a dream destination for international sports fans. Thanks to our annual calendar of world class sporting events, the plethora of international championships that we are set to host and our successful partnership with the English Premier League,” he said.
UKinbound chief executive Mary Rance said: "Whilst it may be viewed as a great loss that the 2018 World Cup will not be taking place in England, the tourism industry must not lose sight at what other prestigious events will be taking place over the coming few years and the opportunities that they offer.
“The Royal Wedding, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and of course the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are just some of the events that will be taking place in the next 18 months. With other great sporting events such as this year’s Ryder Cup in Newport and the upcoming 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, the industry has the opportunity to gain from a significant rise in visitor numbers and in profiling the UK as one of the most exciting destinations for the coming few years."
The 2022 World Cup will be hosted by Qatar, who beat off Australia, the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
By Bev Fearis
