WORLD
Campaign to boost Britain ahead of Olympics launched
Baku, September 23 (AZERTAC). The UK Government has launched an international bid to boost the reputation of Britain abroad as the country is thrust into the spotlight ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The initiative, called the "Great Campaign", plans to create a £1 billion boost to business linked to the games and attract four million extra visitors. Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he hopes to, "put the great back in to Great Britain".
The venture will see UK Trade & Investment, the Culture Department, the Foreign Office, Visit Britain and other government departments working together through 2012.
It is felt that the country`s reputation may have been tarnished internationally after the August riots and a more positive message is needed ahead of the games and the Queen`s Diamond Jubilee.
But the campaign`s main aim is to drive home the message that Britain is a place to visit and do business.
Mr Hunt said: "This is not about rebranding Britain."
"It is about using that brand for exports and trade, more foreign tourists and to make sure we can put the record straight after some of the terrible events of this summer which created a negative image," he continued.
The Culture Secretary added, "I think that next year is really a time when we can tell the world what Britain is really about."
There are plans to hold the Global Investment Conference in London on the eve of the Games on July 26 2012.
There is also a series of business summits planned including the British Business Embassy highlighting key sectors for global growth, and an on-line British Business Club.