Billion people Olympic Torch boost for county
12:10pm Monday 9th July 2012 in Falmouth/Penryn
A BILLION people around the globe watched the Olympic Torch’s passage through Cornwall, according to official estimates.
Excess Energy PR, who work for the Falmouth BID team, have also estimated the event bought in an additional £3.77 million to the local economy.
The relay saw the flame arrive at Helston’s RNAS Culdrose on Friday, May 18. It spent the following day travelling from Land’s End to Saltash, with stops in Helston, Falmouth and Truro amongst others on the route.
In total, 188,500 spectators came out to view the torch, well exceeding expectations and the equivalent of a third of the population of Cornwall.
It attracted an extra £3.77 million of spending in the region, while the TV, newspaper and radio coverage was worth an estimated £17 million in terms of PR spending.
Richard Wilcox, manager of Falmouth BID, said: “The eyes of the world were on Cornwall on May 19 and the county really delivered. Many people, including those who were expressing negative views regarding Torch Relay Day, prior to the event should be left in no doubt as to its positive effect, both in the short and long-term.
“Millions of pounds worth of national and international coverage, hundreds of thousands of people experiencing a wonderful day and Cornwall’s community spirit really coming to the fore.
“A collective effort that demonstrates how the county can really deliver on the big stage.”
Malcolm Bell, head of Visit Cornwall, said: “The reach has been immense, and thanks to this once-in-a-lifetime event, there are now millions of people across the world who have been introduced to the beauty of the county and may now consider visiting.
“The opportunity now lies in building on this success to maximise the legacy for Cornwall and to realise the potential of Cornwall becoming an international market leader for tourism whilst attracting more overseas visitors.”
Comments(3)
ucsweb
says...
4:08pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Where are the facts?
I am all for promoting Falmouth and Cornwall but, I fear the details of where and when will blend into the one event and few will remember. Do you honestly believe that people will visit Falmouth just because the Torch passed through?
Lanty Slee
says...
6:06pm Mon 9 Jul 12
No one can say with any certainty that a billion people have ever watched anything. The viewing figures you hear circulated about the Royal Wedding (or the moon landing for that matter) are all based on what is - at best - dodgy guesswork.
But it should come as no surprise to anyone that a PR company exaggerate things, it is kind of their job.
It is tosh.
But it's officially sanctioned tosh.
titanium says...
2:16pm Mon 9 Jul 12