EDITOR'S CHOICE LOCAL NEWS Elderly couple robbed by conmen Survey praises hospital’s care OTHER SPORT Join bowls players at the gardens GET OUR NEWS BY E-MAIL Just register

Most read Comments 1 ‘Fostering’ needed for academy players 2 Join bowls players at the gardens 3 Webb capture 4 Harleys on way to coast for weekend 5 Hutch in the hot-seat at St Mary’s Field 6 Doctors on the pitch 7 Car park plan may not be worth cost 8 Call to back justice awards 9 Elderly couple robbed by conmen 10 Beauty spots under threat from housing Today | 7 Days 1 Making waves to test impact of new marina 2 Social tenants facing eviction 3 'Seedy and sedate' resort in new guide 4 Boy, 7, mauled in dog attack 5 New fears for Lyme landslip 6 Digital switchover just a year away 7 Police to investigate over election bust-up 8 Re-election proves important issues do not go away 9 Beauty spots under threat from housing 10 Clash over caravans

Comment

THE first of a new series of events with key business and tourism figures will focus on the impact of the Olympics.

Bournemouth University is hosting three research seminars with experts and academics in tourism, sport and economic development.

The first will be tomorrow and is called Using the 2012 Olympic Games to Maximise Tourism Potential in the South West.

The university's Centre for Event and Sport Research and The International Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research are hosting the session.

A number of themes will be debated, including tourism employment opportunities and skills, maximising tourist benefits and Olympic impact and legacy.

Professors John Fletcher and Adam Blake will give presentations about the potential economic impacts of the games.

Senior lecturer Richard Shipway will present his research, Host Communities Perceptions, featuring the views of more than 400 Weymouth and Portland residents. Delegates include representation from Weymouth tourism interests, the Learning and Skills Council, the South West Regional Development Agency and other universities in the south west.

Guy Lavender, who is South West England Director for the 2012 Games-Team South West, will also be attending to provide his expertise and support.

The seminar series has been set up following a grant from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) under the Research Seminars Competition.

Professor Adele Ladkin, who co-led the ESRC bid with Professor Mike Weed from Canterbury, said: "The event will provide an ideal opportunity for practitioners and academics to discuss research needs and opportunities, and to promote beneficial collaboration between the stakeholders in order to maximise the long term legacy of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics."

In partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University and University of Essex, the three events will focus on opportunities to develop sport, promote health, increase tourism flows and promote community pride and well-being in the South East and South West.

Delegates will also help identify research and information gaps for further academic study.

9:02am Monday 14th January 2008

Print

Email this

Comment