A MARKETING team has been launched to promote the whole of the north west as a tourist destination to visitors watching the Commonwealth Games.

The 2002 North West Tourism Hub Team's brief is to make the most of the games taking place in Manchester this summer.

They will attempt to raise awareness of the area nationally and internationally to attract thousands of visitors to the region. And they are focusing on Lancashire, not just Manchester, to spread the benefits across the north west.

Fiona Turnbull, who is leading the hub team, said: "We have a tremendous opportunity to promote the region on the domestic and international tourism stage, creating a legacy that will attract visits from within Britain and throughout the world for many years to come." This action coincides with action by Lancashire County Council, which is taking exhibitions to travel shows across the country to promote the region.

County Councillor Brian Johnson, Cabinet Member for Community and Regeneration, said the tourism industry was worth over £1,200 million to Lancashire every year and supports over 44,000 jobs in the county.

He added: "People planning to visit the Commonwealth Games will find Lancashire to be an ideal location to stay. We are only a short drive or train ride away from Manchester and offer a fantastic range of tourist attractions and resorts to explore on days off.

"Tourism is a major part of Lancashire's economy and it is vital we do all we can to maximise our potential."

The 17th Commonwealth Games, from July 25 to August 4, will be involve athletes from 72 countries, watched by a television audience of over one billion.