UK tourism looks ahead to 2012 Olympics

A number of UK tourism authorities have announced the creation of a joint working group to ensure that the industry reaps the full benefit of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

VisitBritain, Visit London, UKinbound and the European Tour Operators Association formed the party with the aim of encouraging travel to Britain in summer 2012.

One factor already in the region's favour, according to the group, is the fact that flights to London and other cities mean the UK is more accessible than many countries that have hosted the Games in the past.

Ken Kelling, director of communications at Visit London, said: "London has so much to offer sports fans and non-sports fans alike and visitors are well used to travelling to and from the city for business or pleasure.

"We are expecting the atmosphere to be amazing during 2012 and no-one will want to miss out."

Sports fans will be embarking on trips all over the world next year to attend major events, such as the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver in February and the World Cup in South Africa in the summer.