Tourism de London
09 July 07
Unprecedented Weekend in London Boosts Visitor Economy.
Around three million people enjoyed one of the best few days London has ever seen this weekend as top sporting and musical events drew visitors from all over the world.
The Grand Depart of the Tour de France, taking place in London for the first time ever, and the Live Earth concert at Wembley, were just two of the high profile events that brought visitors to the capital in their droves and saw thousands of Londoners making the most of their city. Other concerts held at Wembley, The O2 and The Tower of London and the Wimbledon tennis finals added to the spectacular weekend.
Visit London Chief Executive James Bidwell said “It is weekends like this that leave people in no doubt as to why London is the number one city break destination in the world. Three million people joined in a celebration of sport, music and culture here this weekend and a worldwide TV audience of billions also witnessed the spectacle. The city has shown, not only its absolute capability of hosting such major events, but also its willingness to welcome people, cultures and traditions from elsewhere. The sheer excitement of the Tour de France created an atmosphere which will never be forgotten by the millions of Londoners and tourists who shared a truly unique experience.”
The London visitor economy is set to benefit by over £50 million from the Tour de France event alone, with hotels and restaurants full and attractions drawing in big numbers of guests. The Tour may have left London on Sunday morning but the party continued for Londoners and visitors with a host of events continuing as part of the celebration.
London is now gearing up to host a series of American sporting events in the Autumn as the NFL, NBA and NHL have all chosen to hold games in the city. The UK capital will undoubtedly show, once again, its capabilities as a major global event city in the all important run up to 2012.
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