Olympic Winners and Losers

Sport has always played a large part in my life; whether it’s playing football in the park or watching Usain Bolt in the 100m final – the power of sport to engage and inspire is undeniable. (My personal favourite was the Brownlie Bros in the men’s triathalon..)

Following London 2012 there is now  a great debate on who won the marketing Olympics - which brands stood and out and which ones didn’t even make it off the starting blocks. But there is one thing that unites all brands involved - that they recognize the importance and power of sport and the passion it inspires in consumers.

So thanks to the BBC for raising the benchmark of sporting broadcasting. From their Olympic Trailer to their multi-channel coverage, the BBC where simply superb and their montages alone worthy of gold medals in editing and compilation.  And thanks also to the Royal Mail for reminding me to send a proper letter next time rather than an email.

It’s a shame then that it is unlikely Britain’s recession-hit economy will receive any boost from the Games that have been a triumph for the nation’s athletes. While Britain’s construction sector benefited hugely before the Olympics, experts have said the 17-day sporting spectacle had not delivered significant financial rewards and neither was it expected to in the months and years ahead.  Visitor numbers to London were estimated to be down 30%

In the run-up to the Olympics, commuters and tourists were warned to stay away amid fears that London’s transport system could not cope with millions of extra people descending on the capital. 

The London Olympic Games had long been heralded as a key boost to the British economy but in fact tourist numbers fell dramatically in the first few days of the Games. Hotels cut their prices and many shopping areas, restaurants, theatres, attractions and entertainment venues saw a significant reduction in business. Businesses complained of being sidelined as tourists headed only for the Games and avoided the capital’s other attractions and shopping destinations, while non-sports fans opted to stay at home or delay their trips.

Of course, we knew all of this already so why are officials now so surprised? 

http://www.fesmarketing.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/london-2012-therell-be-trouble-ahead.html

Hopefully, the organisers of next Olympics in Rio will from the lessons in London….but why would they when London did not learn from the lessons of previous  Olympic cities and countries that went before them!