A SMALL army of journalists and media workers are set to stay in hotels in Newport and nearby during the Nato summit – bringing a claimed £400,000 worth of business to hoteliers in the city.

Central government says it is keen to drive business locally during the summit and says that more than 1,500 nights worth of hotel stays have been held for the week at the Hilton Newport, Hampton Hilton and Holiday Inn Newport.

A total of 1,500 hotel nights have also been booked at the Ibis, Travelodge and Holiday Inn Express for those working at the summit.

Many journalists attending the summit are being booked through a centralised accommodation system.

Meanwhile organisers are appealing for local tips on pubs and restaurants who could get involved in the summit and promote their services to visiting media.

A UK Government spokeswoman said: “We're very keen to make sure that we drive business locally in Newport during the summit. That's why we've prioritised hotel bookings in Newport for the world's travelling media.

"This shouldn't just mean revenue for the local hotels but more business for taxi firms and local bars and restaurants too.”

She added: "Lots of journalists are likely to arrive on the Wednesday ahead of the Summit and will want local tips on where to get a bite to eat so there's an opportunity for local pubs and restaurants to think about how they can get involved with the summit.

“In 2012, Chicago’s restaurants seized on the opportunity with NATO themed burgers and we’re sure Newport’s landlords can come up with some great ideas. And where there are great events on offer we will be more than happy to promote them."

Any local businesses interested in promoting their services to media attending the summit should get in touch with NATO Media Operations at nato2014.mediaoperations@fco.gov.uk.

The summit takes place on September 4 to 5 at the Celtic Manor Resort.