Tourism Slump Expected

Despite the hype over the benefits of London hosting the Olympics in 2012, the professionals in the tourism industry are not convinced.

The European Tour Operators' Association (Etoa) has published a survey of inbound buyers' forecasts.

Etoa report that 68% of the 200 buyers surveyed expect an average 30% drop in visitors to London in 2012, compared with 2011.

Olympic Medals won during the Beijing 2008 Olympics

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Tube Strike

London's "world class" tube system is on strike today (the third in a series of strikes staged by the RMT).

The network is trying, in between strikes, to upgrade some parts of its service in time for the 2012 Olympics.

As to whether these upgrades will be completed on schedule, and to cost, I cannot say. However, I guarantee that Bob Crow and his "comrades" in the RMT will use the threatened disruption of service during the Olympics as a "bargaining" tool in thier ongoing dispute.

Olympic Medals won during the Beijing 2008 Olympics

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Party At Marble Arch

The Russians have applied for permission to hire Marble Arch during the London 2012 Olympics, and turn it into a party venue.

"Russia House" will, if permission is granted by Westminster council, consist of a temporary multi-storey canopy around the arch together with the requisitioning of some of the surrounding parkland.

It sounds like a fun idea.

Good luck to them!

Olympic Medals won during the Beijing 2008 Olympics

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Britain Nixes Aircraft Carrier

Britain has said "thanks, but no thanks" to an offer by the USA to station a US aircraft carrier in the Thames Estuary during the 2012 London Olympics to boost security.

The UK will instead station an anti aircraft destroyer in a suitable place, just in case any aircraft need to be shot down.

Olympic Medals won during the Beijing 2008 Olympics

Don't forget to visit www.theolympicswarehouse.comwww.olympicsdiary.com brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Pathetic!

I see that the IOC are considering sacrificing the traditional Olympics opening and closing ceremony fireworks displays on the altar of "environmentalism".

Maybe, if the IOC were that concerned about the environment, they should consider abandoning the games altogether given the energy used, resources wasted, air pollution etc to host, attend and compete in the games?

Olympic Medals won during the Beijing 2008 Olympics

Don't forget to visit www.theolympicswarehouse.comwww.olympicsdiary.com brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Airfares Capped

When London made its bid to host the 2012 Olympics, within its long list of promises was one to pay the airfares of all athletes, officials and assorted hangers on. At the time, the cost of this largess was estimated to be around £20M.

However, time moves on, as we all know we are now in a recession and the Olympics "budget" at the time of the bid was based on fantasy anyway.

The London Olympics organisers are now proposing to cap the airfares promise, and base payments on distance travelled (rather than actual cost incurred).

Needless to say national Olympic committees around the world, who had expected a freebie are now complaining loudly that they might have to stump up some of the cost for attending the games. For good measure, they are also complaining that they are having to pay for furniture and equipment for their temporary offices during the games.

Here are two thoughts on the matter:

1 Why the hell should we pay for others to fly here?

2 Attending the games, as far as I am aware, is not compulsory. Those countries that don't want to spend the money don't have to attend.

Problem solved!

Olympic Medals won during the Beijing 2008 Olympics

Don't forget to visit www.theolympicswarehouse.comwww.olympicsdiary.com brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Price Promise Breached

The ticket prices for the London 2012 Olympics were published last Friday. Without any "irony" the highest price ticket is in fact £2,012 (for the opening ceremony on July 27 2012).

Notwithstanding that, the organisers claim that they have honoured promises to sell tickets at affordable prices (approximately 33% will be available at £20 or less).

However, their original estimate from the organisers was that approximately 50% of the tickets would be priced at £20 or less.

Tickets for the closing ceremony will cost up to £1,500. Athletics finals up to £725, and the finals of swimming, diving, gymnastics and beach volleyball will cost up to £450.

Unsurprisingly most of these will be sold off in blocks to corporate hospitality providers.

Olympic Medals won during the Beijing 2008 Olympics

Don't forget to visit www.theolympicswarehouse.comwww.olympicsdiary.com brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"