Sport and culture boost capital’s economy

MAJOR sporting and cultural events have contributed £2.2 billion to London’s economy since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to a report by #London & Partners.

The biggest event – last year’s Rugby World Cup – generated £539 million, while major cultural events such as Lumiere London, plus numerous concerts and festivals delivered a combined £560 million.

Cycling events including the Prudential RideLondon, the Tour of Britain, and the UCI Track Cycling World Championships have contributed £149 million since 2012.

Future London sporting events include the IPC and IAAF World Athletics Championships in 2017, the Cricket World Cup in 2019, and the semi-finals and final of the UEFA EURO 2020 Championships.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: ‘These figures underline the enormous contribution major events make to the economy in London and the entire country. The message is loud and clear: London is open to visitors from around the world, who come to enjoy the incredible range of events and attractions on offer in the capital.

‘From major sporting events like the Rugby World Cup and next year’s World Athletics and ParaAthletics Championships, to an incredible array of arts, history and entertainment, London’s sporting and cultural offer is one of the key reasons why this is the greatest city in the world.’

The £2.2 billion figure includes spending by visitors watching events which have come to London since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These include the Tour de France, Formula E and ITU World Series Triathlon, as well as long-standing events such as the Wimbledon Championships, Tour of Britain, the London Marathon and large concerts and festivals.

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Picture Credit: 23303817@N03/7748901560">LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com