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Jan 30, 2006
The Grand Depart
of the Tour de France will be held in the UK capital for the first time ever
in July 2007. This annual cycling event is set to generate an economic boost
for London,
estimated at around £56 million, when it comes to the city next summer.
The cycle race is
expected to attract an estimated 1 million spectators in July 2007, creating
benefits for attractions, hotels, shops, restaurants and other local
businesses. Full details of the event, including the route, will be revealed on
February 9, 2006,
but it is expected that the activities in July 2007 will bring Londoners out
onto the streets and attract large numbers of day and overnight visitors to London.
The announcement
comes just 6 months after the news that London
is to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 and reinforces the UK capital’s
position as a leading city for sporting events. James Bidwell, Visit London’s
Chief Executive said, “We welcome the news that London is to host The Grand Depart of The
Tour de France in 2007. It will provide us with a great opportunity to attract
visitors from all over the world and showcase key attractions in our global
city. It is further proof of London’s
ability to attract and host world-class events.”
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