Image: The UK sector is "ready" for the Games

The UK tourism industry is "ready" to ensure London 2012 is the "best ever" Games for both domestic and overseas visitors, according to Tourism Alliance chair Michael Hirst.

Hirst made the comments ahead of the first Olympic event at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium yesterday (25 July) - the women's football match between Team GB and New Zealand.

It is estimated the UK sector could benefit by around £2bn as a result of London hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with overseas visitor numbers already up 5 per cent.

London 2012 also gives the UK an important opportunity to market itself as a destination to tourists from emerging markets such as China, Brazil, Russia and India.

Hirst said: "The industry's professionalism and skills are world-class, so it's no wonder that the UK is seeing record international visitors and more UK residents holidaying at home too.

"The international spotlight that will fall on the industry and the greater awareness by people living in the UK of domestic tourism opportunities will provide a significant long-term gain for the economy."

Click here for more information about the Tourism Alliance, the body which represents more than 50 industry organisations.

Image: Rob Wilson/shutterstock.com