Prepare For Post-Olympic Boom, Industry Is Urged

The hospitality sector has been urged to prepare for the post-2012 Olympic period now if it is to fully capitalise on the opportunity the London games will provide.

VisitBritain predicts that 50-70% of the net economic benefit of the Olympics will accrue through tourism over 7-10 years. Early estimates suggest £2b could be generated and that almost two-thirds of this growth will happen in the four years after the games.

These figures highlight just how important the post-games period is, according to Tom Wright. Of VB "When the Olympic torch moves on we need something wonderful to promote in 2013 and beyond, when interest in Britain will be at an all-time high," he said. "We know that sport has excellent tourism potential, and we need to present not only our heritage but also our modernity, too." www.caterersearch.com