The British tourism industry could receive a £2.1 billion boost as a result of London's hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games, according to a government report.
In collaboration with VisitBritain and VisitLondon, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has drawn up a blueprint to help ensure that the industry is prepared to welcome millions of new visitors around the time of the games.
The government claims that the £85 billion tourist sector is already "hugely successful", with 32.2 million foreigners visiting the UK in 2006 and 15.6 million coming to London alone.
However tourism minister Margaret Hodge stressed that there is room for improvement, with only 53 per cent of accommodation in the UK signed up to the national star-grading scheme.
She said: "From the London Eye to the Lake District we have some of the finest tourist attractions in the world. We've got a good image as a tourist destination - but I want that image to be excellent."
Ms Hodge described London 2012 as a "huge opportunity for the UK tourism industry" and a chance to create a "lasting legacy" that will keep visitors coming back to Britain for years to come.
Travel Insurance - Holiday Extras insured over 750,000 people last year and were voted BEST Insurance provider and BEST website by the travel trade.
In collaboration with VisitBritain and VisitLondon, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has drawn up a blueprint to help ensure that the industry is prepared to welcome millions of new visitors around the time of the games.
The government claims that the £85 billion tourist sector is already "hugely successful", with 32.2 million foreigners visiting the UK in 2006 and 15.6 million coming to London alone.
However tourism minister Margaret Hodge stressed that there is room for improvement, with only 53 per cent of accommodation in the UK signed up to the national star-grading scheme.
She said: "From the London Eye to the Lake District we have some of the finest tourist attractions in the world. We've got a good image as a tourist destination - but I want that image to be excellent."
Ms Hodge described London 2012 as a "huge opportunity for the UK tourism industry" and a chance to create a "lasting legacy" that will keep visitors coming back to Britain for years to come.
Travel Insurance - Holiday Extras insured over 750,000 people last year and were voted BEST Insurance provider and BEST website by the travel trade.
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The News Team
(Tony Hill and Helen Gillilan)
Olympics 'could Bring UK £2.1bn'
