How hosting the Olympics hurt London's tourism business this summer
Skift Take
The Olympic build up scared off tour groups and tourists during booking season and now the rest of the city’s attractions are eerily empty. London can only hope this long-term investment makes up for the short-term losses.
The Olympics is creating a “ghost town” effect in central London as visitors who would normally flock to the capital’s shops, hotels and theatres stay away, casting doubt on expectations of a short-term economic boost from the games.
The games have attracted as many as 100,000 foreign visitors to London – more than in previous Olympics. But, on its own, that number significantly lags behind the estimated 300,000 foreign tourists who could be expected in a typical year.
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