IOC President, Jacques Rogge applauded British hospitality in his speech at the closing Olympic Games ceremony, rounding off a fortnight in which the country’s welcome had been a major talking point of athletes and visitors, and prompting Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) to comment:
“Britain’s hospitality industry has done itself proud and the Olympic Games have shown off Britain as a feel good destination that will be a lasting legacy to the UK economy.
“The 2.4m people who work in hospitality have been the greatest-ever ambassadors for Britain. Providing over 16m meals during the Games was a major undertaking and the British hospitality industry rose to the challenge magnificently.”
However, the legacy of the Olympics must be actively exploited:
“We must now harness this success and the worldwide visibility that the Games have given us to spread the message that the UK is very much open for business and has a fabulous welcome to offer everyone this year, and in the future.”
BHA members have delivered a great deal to make the Games a success – from Holiday Inn and McDonald’s as two of the main sponsors, to Sodexo and BaxterStorey providing extensive catering facilities – and the industry and the government must build on the success of the Games to create a sustainable legacy for young people in Britain.
“BHA pledges to work with government to realise the huge opportunities that Britain’s hospitality industry offers young people and future generations.
“In particular, it offers a magnificent career for the many volunteers who showed such an aptitude for hosting members of the public during the Games.”