The British Gas Great North Swim is not only a great open water swimming competition and celebration, but it also has demonstrated distinct economic advantages. The Great North Swim won the Tourism Event of the Year at the 2010 Cumbria Tourism Awards this week.

Fifteen prizes were awarded on the night, but it was an open water swim envisioned by Colin Hill, that took the gold medal.

Last year, the one-mile British Gas Great North Swim attracted 6,000 participants from across the world with an estimated 10,000 people came to watch the swim over the weekend. A Visitor Survey and Economic Imapact Analysis carried out by Cumbria Tourism in 2009 showed that the event drew in an estimated £1.5m in tourism value to the county.

2010 will show the event to be even more enjoyable and lucrative.

Nearly 10,000 participants are expected to take the plunge in September as the maximum number of entries was rapidly reach. Due to the exploding demand, new events include the British Gas Great North Swim 500, a 500-meter swim open to those 11 years and over, and the British Gas Great North Swim The Extra Mile, a two-mile swim for those who fancy going that little bit further.

The British Gas Great North Swim is the last swim on the circuit which includes the British Gas Great East Swim on June 19th, the British Gas Great London Swim on July 3rd and the British Gas Great Scottish Swim on August 21st.

Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones