Champions League final can showcase Wales to the world
THE staging of the Champions League Final in Cardiff this weekend not only demonstrates that Wales can host some of the world’s biggest sporting events but that it is also very much open for business, writes Mike Rees of property consultants Bruton Knowles.
And partner Mr Rees, who heads up the firm’s Cardiff office, believes that improvements in infrastructure in Cardiff and Wales will attract even more major events while improving business links right across the globe.
He said: “In recent weeks there has definitely been a feeling that everyone from the wider community has started to pull out all the stops so that guests from overseas get to experience the very best of what Cardiff and Wales has to offer.
“The eyes of the world will be on Cardiff and South Wales. There will be visitors from all over the globe not only representing Juventus and Real Madrid in the final but also the competition’s sponsors and officials from Uefa.
“The Welsh team’s success in the European Cup last year has already made people sit up and take notice and the final is the perfect catalyst to once and for all make decisions on opening up south Wales to the wider world.
“With the UK having voted to leave the EU, it is also a fantastic opportunity for Wales to forge ahead and establish its own relationships with key trading partners.
“South Wales has much to offer and we as a community need to make the most of this chance to shine.
“Some commentators are predicting a period of substantial growth following the referendum vote.
“And I believe Wales has the opportunity to participate in this providing it adopts a positive economic development policy commensurate with a much needed commitment to key infrastructure investment at both local and country wide level.
“The worst thing to happen is for Wales to be stymied by lack of ambition to make decisions on what is best for the country.
“This once-in-a-lifetime chance to make its mark on the rest of the world and failure to use this opportunity to sell Wales will only go on the assist other regions across the UK!
“It’s been a brilliant coup for Wales to host the Champions League final and we must ensure it’s used as a springboard to show that the Principality is a great place for business and commerce.
“We welcome all fans and hope they have a fantastic time over the duration of the weekend.”