COUNCIL chiefs are set to launch a bid for Edinburgh to host one of the Archery World Cup Final contests which are due to take in 2010 and 2011.
The seven-day autumn event would cost the city council an estimated £95,000 to stage, but could boost the economy by as much as £1 million.
Deputy council leader Steve Cardownie, who is in charge of events for the city, was originally cautious abo
ut the bid, but today he said: "This is a prestigious event which attracts worldwide coverage and will enhance Edinburgh's reputation."
Every broadcast of the event would begin with a one-minute promotional video of the host city, which alone is worth the equivalent of £420,000 of advertising.
The host city also has the right to retain all income from merchandising, sponsorship, food and drink sales and media deals.
The bidding process culminates on May 28, when the short-listed candidates gather at this year's Archery World Cup Final event in Antalya, Turkey, to present their bids to the International Archery Federation.
Previous target archery World Cup Finals have been staged in iconic venues such as the Mayan pyramids in Mexico and a floating venue at the Jumeirah Madinat resort in Dubai.
The council would be expected to meet around a third of the £285,000 cost, spread over three years. EventScotland has already pledged £90,000.
