Usain Bolt coup boosts hotel and restaurant managers in Birmingham

19/02/2010 11:35:53

Hotel and restaurant managers in Birmingham have been given a boost by the news that the city will host the Jamaican track and field team ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Usain Bolt and his team mates will join the USA track and field team, who have already agreed to stay in the city prior to the Games.

City Council Leader Mike Whitby said: "Not only will this signing enhance our reputation as a global city, it will create a significant boost to the local economy – with conservative estimates suggesting the economic impact of the USA and Jamaican teams will exceed £15 million."

Much of the profit is likely to come from restaurant and hotel bills as the city will see an influx of friends, family and the media who will be accompanying the team.

Councillor Whitby, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association president Howard Aris and University of Birmingham vice chancellor and principal David Eastwood will meet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Birmingham to sign the deal at 10:30 GMT tomorrow (Saturday February 20th).

The latest figures from Visit London suggest that a total of £11 billion will be invested in London's tourism industry in the run-up to 2012.

Hotel jobs in Birmingham

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