Leicester footballing success set to breed events success?

Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has praised the city’s football club’s achievement in clinching the English Premier League title, 2 May. The East Midlands club success has been achieved against all the odds and on a much smaller budget than England’s traditional footballing powerhouse teams. “The whole of Leicester is bursting with pride thanks to our fantastic football team, and our congratulations go out to all concerned,” Sir Peter said. “History has been made and we could not be more proud of what they have done for football, and for our city.” Sir Peter said there had been major media attention across the world, “and now that we are champions, I think I’m expecting a little more”. Martin Peters, chief executive of Leicester Shire Promotions, the tourism body for Leicester and Leicestershire, told CMW: “Since the discovery and reinterment of King Richard III, and the subsequent success of Leicester City winning the Barclays Premiership, Leicester has been in the worldwide spotlight like never before. “The coverage that these stories have received have helped to raise not only civic pride to unprecedented levels, but also the profile of the city and county for leisure visitors, for investment and for hosting conferences and events. “Our event bidding team has been strategically targeting conferences and events for several years that have a fit with the destination, both in terms of size and logistics, and the general theme. It’s a strategy that’s brought significant success and the increased profile of the city, in the light of the football team’s amazing victory, will hopefully generate more interest and incoming enquiries. “We look forward to working with city and county partners and venues to continue our discussions with domestic and international conference organisers. “There have always been many reasons for organisers to want to associate their events with Leicester. Now the argument to do so is utterly compelling. Success breeds success.”