Two years to go: London visitors to benefit from over £11bn of investment ahead of the 2012 Games
27 July 10
This image is available from the Visit London image library
Today marks the countdown for ‘two years to go’ until the opening ceremony of the Olympic and Paralympic Games on 27th July 2012. Over the next 24 months, in excess of £11bn will be invested into projects directly benefiting visitors to the capital according to Visit London, the official visitor organisation for London.
Covering the full spectrum of services impacting the tourist experience from new hotels and upgraded transport links to community projects and small business initiatives, the full Visit London ‘Two Years to Go’ report and timeline is now available at: http://www.visitlondon.com/mediacentre.
Major investments coming to fruition in the coming months range from the completion of the East London Line through to the redevelopment of Kings Cross St. Pancras Station and, at the luxury end of the scale, the launch of the refurbished Savoy Hotel.
Behind the headlines generated by signature projects there are also hundreds of stories of small companies determined not to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From the creation of London’s first punting station on Regents Canal in Mile End to exclusive accommodation on a new floating hotel, the countdown has unleashed a wave of entrepreneurial innovation that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Sally Chatterjee, CEO, Visit London commented:
“With just two years to go, the Olympic countdown provides an extraordinary opportunity to show the world exactly what London has to offer. Businesses large and small are gearing up for the Games; developing new products and services to cater for the influx of athletes, spectators, officials and visitors that are due to flock to London in 2012 ”
Some of the smaller London businesses ready to make the most of the Olympic Countdown include:
East London Boats
- The Games has inspired an enterprising business to set up London’s first punting station on Regents canal open weekends throughout the summer months. Set in the heart of Mile End, the new punting station will provide a great way for visitors to experience a different side of London.
Forman’s Fish Island
- Originally sited in the middle of what is now the Olympic stadium, Forman’s has been relocated in a purpose built building designed by award-winning architect Phil Hudson with prime views across the Olympic Village. To make the most of the influx of visitors expected to head to London in 2012, Forman’s has set up a new ‘behind the scenes’ tour and fine food restaurant to allow visitors to discover the secrets of this age old smoking tradition whilst taking in breathtaking views across the Olympic site.
Travel Places London “floating hotel”
- Throughout the Games, Travel Places is offering companies the opportunity to charter a “floating hotel” which will be docking in Canary Wharf. With a capacity of 264 guests, this luxurious floating resort boasts two restaurants, three bars, a spa and an outdoor pool to name but a few of the amenities and offers guests a prime position from which to enjoy the very best that London has to offer.
Download the report here - http://www.visitlondonmediacentre.com/images/uploads/Visit_London-investment_report_2010.pdf
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