Mills calls for tourism chiefs to work with 2012 team to promote London

The deputy chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) has stressed to UK tourism industry chiefs today that the sector could be one of the most important beneficiaries of the 2012 Games.

Speaking at Visit London’s AGM this morning, Keith Mills said: “The experience of other cities indicates that London’s visitor economy could benefit from as much as £2bn as a result of the Games.

“It’s vital that we maximise opportunities by working closely with Visit Britain, Visit London and the tourism industry throughout the UK,” he said. “The promotional strategies for both the Games and the city should be developed in close co-operation.

“Thoughtful planning and the careful building of effective partnerships between pubic and private sector agencies, international partners and the Olympic organisers will be needed to maximise this opportunity.”

"The Olympic Games in London will showcase the capital's people, places, cultures and capabilities to the world like never before," said Mills.

James Bidwell, chief executive of Visit London, added: “Although 2012 is seven years away, we need to maximise benefits before, during and after the Games take place.”