D-Day for Olympic bid

Saturday, 06 Jul, 2005 0

VisitBritain chairman Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge has sent a good luck message to London’s Olympic bid team in Singapore ahead of today’s announcement on who will host the 2012 Games.

He told the team that the tourism industry was “ready to play its part” in joining forces with the government and sport should the bid be successful.

A decision is expected as 12.45pm today.

“I write on behalf of every hotel, B&B, visitor attraction, restaurant, nightclub, pub, bar, tour operator and transport company in Britain to offer London’s 2012 Olympic bid team the very best of luck,” Lord Marshall wrote.

“These 160,000 businesses, predominantly small to medium enterprises, comprise a £74 billion visitor economy which would benefit greatly should we be successful. The Games would provide a platform for Britain to show the world what an exciting destination this is: passionate about sport, multicultural and cosmopolitan, with a rich heritage and contemporary outlook.”

But Lord Marshall warned that the benefits should not be taken for granted and only a partnership approach would ensure success.

“A dynamic partnership between the government, sport and tourism will be required to maximise the opportunities and deliver the best possible welcome and experience to our visitors,” he said. “VisitBritain is ready to play its part.”

The outcome was too close to call this morning as the bid cities gave their final 15 minute presentations to the International Olympic Committee.

Paris is marginally still the favourite ahead of London with Madrid said to be gaining support. Moscow and New York are considered outsiders.

Read the results of the Olympic vote on TravelMole as soon as it happens.

Report by Steve Jones

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