One Year To Go Until London 2012

Just 12 months from now, athletes will be competing at sporting venues across the UK's capital including Wimbledon, Wembley and Lords as well as the new Olympic facilities.

Tourism chiefs are hoping the Olympics will provide a huge boost to the UK's economy and encourage people to visit from overseas before, during and after the event.

VisitBritain is busy hosting events around the world, including in America, Russia and the UAE, to showcase the Games in the run up to the greatest show on Earth.

It is hoped the Olympics will go a long way to helping reach VisitBritain's target of attracting some four million overseas visitors to the UK over the next four years.

With the global spotlight shining on the UK, competition for accommodation may be fierce as people from around the world start to plan their trips to London, either for the Games or around the event.

With some experts predicting a 50% hike in hotel prices, sports fans might want to look at apartments to rent in London to keep costs down.

Sandie Dawe, VisitBritain chief executive, said: 'London 2012 will allow us to highlight the diversity of what visitors can experience across Britain - our history and heritage, our countryside and natural beauty, our culture, fashion, sports, food and drink, and of course the warmth of our welcome.'