The city of London has caught the imagination of travellers worldwide, as 2012 Olympics Games fever grips the globe, says recent research conducted by London & Partners, an official promotional organisation for London.
As the UK government continues to enhance the city and the Olympic venues, visitors whose prime objective is to attend the Games are also making plans to visit the most famous London attractions.
Around 60 percent of visitors to the city have stated their intention to visit London’s river, squares and parks, while half of visitors to London are contemplating visits to a museum or historic building. Around 53 percent of those polled are likely to visit tourist attractions, including Madame Tussauds wax museum.
In a number of the city’s parks and outdoor spaces, the games organisers will be hosting BT London Live sites to showcase medal events on the big screen, and a daily programme of cultural and arts displays is also scheduled.
Retail outlets, including Harrods, Selfridges and Oxford Street shops, can expect to have a surge in custom, with around 40 percent of international visitors planning to shop at these locations.
Iain Edmondson, the head of the major events team at London & Partners, said, ‘During the Games, there will be a festival atmosphere filling the streets of London with numerous opportunities for the public to experience the spirit of the Games even if they don’t have tickets. After 2012, people will be able to turn the inspiration of the Games into participation, by entering London’s world-class mass-participation events such as the London Marathon, London Triathlon and new road cycling event.’
