Games boost to retail and tourism (From News Shopper)
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Games boost to retail and tourism
12:05am Monday 6th August 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013
Boris Johnson welcomed figures showing an increase in tourism and shopping during the Olympics
About 22% of the population came out to see part of the Olympic torch relay, and a further 9% plan to visit sites where the torch was paraded, VisitEngland has said.
The tourist body added that around 21% of the adult population intend to take at least one holiday or short break in the UK by the end of this month. This tourism is likely to generate around £2.3 billion.
But VisitEngland said that around 22% of people are undecided about their summer holiday plans, with 39% of these worried about the financial situation and 28% concerned about the weather.
VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: "I'm delighted that more than 10 million people are planning to holiday at home this summer.
"If we convert even half of those who are undecided about taking a summer break in England, we could potentially contribute an additional £600 million to the UK economy."
VisitEngland is already looking forward to another big sporting event to be staged in the UK - the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The Rugby League World Cup in is taking place in England next year, while England will also host the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
VisitEngland said: "The impact of these events, particularly the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will benefit generations for years to come."
