THE CULTURE and Olympics secretary Jeremy Hunt is creating a new fund to help encourage tourists to visit the 2012 Olympics locations. Mr Hunt said today: Making sure we have a lasting tourism legacy from hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games i

THE CULTURE and Olympics secretary Jeremy Hunt is creating a new fund to help encourage tourists to visit the 2012 Olympics locations.

Mr Hunt said today: "Making sure we have a lasting tourism legacy from hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is one of the most pressing issues for the industry, and a top priority for Government too. I want to do all I can to help deliver an increase in visitors to Britain in the years that follow.

"I believe no other country can offer such rich history, wonderful culture, or stunning countryside, and it's important we showcase to the world the amazing range of attractions and experiences this country offers.

He added: "But as well as encouraging more people from overseas to visit our shores, I also want to make sure we do all we can to get British holidaymakers to stay in the UK. So I'm challenging the whole tourism sector to increase the proportion of domestic tourism spend by UK residents to fifty per cent."

Mr Hunt stressed that the UK would learn the lessons from other major sporting events such as the Olympics in Barcelona and Sydney, and Germany's hosting of the World Cup.