Britain’s image as a tourist destination has been given a major blow following three days of rioting.
The country’s tourism officials, who just a few weeks ago began the countdown to the 2012 Olympic Games, now face the challenge of overcoming the damage of the riots, which have hit headlines around the world.
Mary Rance, CEO UKInbound, said: “The Riots of the past few days, particularly in London, are most unfortunate for the global image of the UK – and not just ahead of the Olympics but for the country’s short term and long term inbound tourism industry.
“With scenes of looting, violence and lawlessness flashing across TV screens across the globe it is absolutely vital that the Government and its agencies, as well as the UK tourism industry, work hard to put things in context.”
The international press has been dominated by images of burnt-out double-decker buses, cars and buildings and of police in riot gear under attack.
Some newspapers have blamed the riots on racial violence while others have pointed to the economic crisis.
Many have alluded to the threat of future violence at the forthcoming 2012 Olympics due to take place this time next year.
USAToday said it was worst unrest since race riots set the capital ablaze in the 1980s.
“The spreading disorder was an unwelcome warning of the possibility of violence during London’s 2012 Summer Olympics, less than a year away,†it said.
Now into its third night, the rioting has spread across London and into other parts of the UK including Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Bristol.
At least 400 people have been arrested following a wave of ‘copycat’ violence.
An extra 1,700 police officers were drafted in to help cope with the unrest in London.
Prime minister David Cameron has returned early from his holiday to hold crisis meetings. London Mayor Boris Johnson and Labour leader Ed Miliband have also cut short their holidays.
The violence first flared on Saturday after a peaceful protest in Tottenham over the fatal shooting of a man by police.
by Bev Fearis
