2012 Olympics
Previous hosts of Games : what works
What works?
Here’s a selection of sales tactics that work according to businesses from towns and cities that have previously hosted the Games:
· Successful retail locations: main streets, airports, other transport hubs, and gathering places for visitors
· Extended hours: visitors come to the events and want to shop and eat before and afterwards
· Good service: cheerful, friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff
· Knowledge of tourist information about the events: give a tourist some help and they may come back to your shop, café, restaurant, etc
· ‘Easy to carry’ products sell well: t-shirts, hats, all weather accessories
· Higher quality products are a winner where people are seeking a lasting memorable item
· Language abilities: having access to or have available translation of product/service information in a selection of languages and/or staff who can speak another language
· Interesting entertainment: provide visitors ‘a feel’ for the atmosphere of the area or location (see below)
Cultural activities
The lessons from past Games also demonstrate the benefits of linking business with as many ‘local’ cultural activities as possible:
· Dorset boasts a magnificent natural environment with the Jurassic Coast, including East Devon, which is a World Heritage Site
· The county is home to many traditional arts, crafts and skills. One example is the expertise in the use of the natural elements promoting the natural stone of Portland and the Isle of Purbeck
· Other traditional skills involve securing natural habitats alongside historical copses where the sustainability of care leads to a range of products being turned or carved from wood
· Another emerging market is organic farming using homeopathic methods and the promotion of high quality local food produce under the ‘Direct from Dorset’ brand
