
The 2012 London Olympics are appearing to have a negative impact on tourism as the city centre is compared to a 'ghost town.' Doubt is being cast on expectations of a short-term economic boost from the games.
Businesses in central London are said to be suffering as tourists are deferred from the city centre and towards East London, where the Olympic Games are taking place. Hotels, West End theatres, restaurants, and shops have reported a slump in figures, with Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, comparing central London to a "ghost town." He claims business is down "by about 20-40 percent depending on the time of day." Tourist attractions are also reporting a fall in visitor numbers since the start of the games.The blame is being placed on the event's organisers who in anticipation of the influx of visitors had warned Londoners to avoid the city centre.Despite the claims, experts remain optimistic that the city will see tourism booming again after the event, many holiday-goers having postponed their trips to London until September.