Olympics to earn £2bn tourism boom

[richard]

THE North-west is hoping for a big share of the tourism cash expected to be generated throughout Britain after London was named host city for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Staging the Games could be worth more than £2 billion in tourism revenue for the country, the VisitBritain organisation said immediately after the result of the vote was announced on Wednesday lunchtime.

The benefits of the 2012 Games will be felt across the whole of the UK, with London and the country becoming the centre of the world's attention, VisitBritain added.

Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium and Hampden Park, Glasgow, were included in the bid as two of the venues for the soccer tournament.

VisitBritain said: "A dynamic partnership between Government, sport and tourism must be developed to maximise the opportunities and deliver the best possible welcome and experience to our visitors.

"The British tourism industry's challenge now is to channel the phenomenal support for the bid into initiatives that will maintain Britain's profile as a world-class destination."

VisitBritain sees the Olympics as a perfect platform to boost the international marketing of both London and Britain as leisure, business and sporting destinations, particularly in developing markets such as China, Korea and India.

The organisation believes the bid has given London and Britain increased exposure around the world, and brought forward investment into transport infrastructure and community facilities that visitors use.

Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) president Martin Wellings said: "The 2012 Olympics will provide a welcome shot in the arm for the UK tourist industry.

"Abta members are already considering the best holiday options for the thousands of sports lovers who will flock to the UK."


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thisislancashire.co.uk