Businesses in Surrey were today urged to make the very most of the opportunity of the country hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt continued his nationwide ‘2012 tour’ at Farnham Castle in Surrey. Addressing more than 80 hoteliers, businesses and tourism bodies from across the region, the Culture Secretary said there were big wins to be had for Surrey - in particular its tourism industry - and urged them to sign up to a new 20.12 per cent discount scheme.The event, which was hosted by Kevin Lorimer (Chairman, Visit Surrey), showcased the business, tourism, cultural and sporting opportunities that the Games bring. Other speakers included Ruth Mackenzie OBE (Director, Cultural Olympiad), Oona Muirhead (London 2012 Nations and Regions Group Member for the South East), Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos (Surrey County Council) and James Berresford (Chief Executive, VisitEngland).Jeremy Hunt said:“Surrey can help start the Olympic gold rush this summer – with the two road cycling events on the first weekend of the Games coming right through the county. Box Hill will be the make or break moment for Mark Cavendish and the rest of the Team GB riders. But it’s make or break time now for Surrey’s tourism businesses to sign up for the 20.12% discount scheme and encourage Brits to ditch Cyprus for Surrey and holiday at home in 2012.”VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, James Berresford said: “I’m delighted to be here in Surrey take part in this exciting initiative to launch England’s most high profile campaign to boost domestic tourism. 2012 offers the tourism industry an unprecedented opportunity to grow domestic tourism by inspiring Britons to take a holiday at home next year. Spear-heading the promotion will be a high profile TV campaign and specially devised website offering discounted offers of 20.12% off or better. Any tourism business can participate and the time to do that is now. Those businesses interested in getting involved should go to www.visitengland.org/2012offers where they will be able to find out more about the campaign and upload their special offer.”Kevin Lorimer Chairman of Visit Surrey, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jeremy Hunt to Surrey to speak to all our tourism businesses and local authorities at this exciting time. Our diversity and fantastic tourism product offering makes Surrey a unique place to visit. Surrey tourism works closely across all aspects of the industry, collaborating to maximise on improving our visitor economy and giving the very best visitor experience. Surrey has been working hard to make the most of all the Olympic opportunities available to us and as we get closer to the start of the Games we will continue to strive to make Surrey a fantastic place to visit during 2012 and after the Games have gone.”
