London and Kent are set to receive a £115 million boost when the Tour de France starts in the UK for the first time next year.
The figures were released by Transport for London as the full route of the race was unveiled yesterday (Thursday).
An estimated two million visitors are expected to visit London and Kent during the three days the tour will be in the region from July 6-8.
The ‘Grand Départ’ will take cyclists past some of the London’s landmarks, before passing through the countryside of Kent on the way to the end of the UK leg close to Canterbury Cathedral.
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: “I am proud that London will play a part in the long history of the Tour de France and the London Grand Départ underlines the capital’s status as a venue for world sporting events ahead of the Olympics in 2012.”
South East England Development Agency’s major sports events manager Lindsey Horton agreed. She said: “Our tourism industry will receive a massive boost as thousands of visitors flock to Kent and enjoy not only the race but our beautiful countryside and visitor attractions.”