Tourism South East, which is looking after the tourism drive for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, has started their drive to make the most of hosting the whole world on their doorstep.

Their ‘Hosting the World’ campaign is in full swing and they are aiming to help local businesses boost their profits before, during and after the event by assisting them in giving a first class welcome to the world.

They are offering the chance for local firms to sign-up for a package that will give them invaluable knowledge, training and business support that is set around conferences and major events. Hotels in the Heathrow area have been among the first to sign up for the funding package and see themselves as the gateway for many people coming to the country.

There are expected to be around 10,000 athletes from more than 200 nations that will be competing in all kinds of events from the tracks to football fields and the cycling tracks. In addition there will be 20,000 press members gracing our shores and a mega seven million fans than will descend and be looking to spend their money.