Tourist chiefs back Olympic bid

Britain’s tourist chiefs have given their backing to London’s Olympic bid, claiming it will give a huge boost to inbound tourism. VisitBritain, the authority for tourism in Britain, spoke out at the submission of the full technical bid by London for the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The tourism body said that if the bid was successful it could generate huge media interest in Britain as a destination. Twenty thousand journalists from throughout the world attended the Sydney 2000 Olympics, showcasing Australia to millions of people. Working in partnership with the London 2012 bid, VisitBritain will act as an overseas ambassador for the bid in the run up to the decision by the International Olympic Committee in July 2005. VisitBritain said its overseas offices will play a central role in informing people round the world of the strength of the London 2012 bid. Tom Wright, chief executive of VisitBritain, said: “The 2012 London Olympic bid offers British tourism an unprecedented opportunity. “Hosting the Olympic Games will have a hugely beneficial impact on inbound tourism to Britain for many years. The Greek government has estimated that the impact of the recent Athens Olympics will last for nearly fifteen years. The bid will showcase the best of Britain throughout the world and the guaranteed multi-million television coverage will be of inestimable value. “VisitBritain is delighted to play a central part in promoting the London bid throughout the world through our network of offices”.