Paris 2024 co-chairmen Bernard Lapasset and Tony Estanguet were present at the 99th National Congress of the Association of Mayors of France, where their attempt at bringing the Games to the French capital for the first time since 1924 was declared a project of national importance.

It has the backing of 33,976 Mayors and 1,410 Presidents of Inter-Municipal Regions, according to Paris 2024.

“The Paris 2024 bid is a bid for all of France,” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said.

“It carries a message of hope and unity and I am proud that so many local leaders have pledged their support to this project which will touch and resonate with the whole nation."

Lapasset, the outgoing world rugby chairman, and Estanguet, the triple Olympic canoe champion, presented the bid to the Congress and they are due to lead a tour of the country in September, where they will be joined by several Mayors and leading officials.

It is hoped visiting various regions of the nation will help promote their effort and will help increase consultation with the French public.

“I would like to thank the elected local leaders of France for their committed support and encouragement for the Paris 2024 bid,” said Lapasset.

“The Mayors and Presidents of the regions have the best interests of their citizens at heart and we must harness the passion and enthusiasm for Olympic Sport across France.

“Our aim is to deliver a fantastic Games for the international sporting movement and the people of all our local communities.”

The news follows a study in the country, conducted by the Centre for Law and Economics of Sport (CDES) at the University of Limoges, claiming Paris hosting the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics could provide €10.7 billion (£8.3 billion/$12 billion) in economic benefits to the country and create as many as 250,000 jobs in the surrounding Île-de-France region.

Paris 2024 has the backing of a number of high-profile companies, with AccorHotels announced as the 11th sponsor of the bid last week.

Public opinion polls about the Paris 2024 are also running at more than 70 per cent in favour, according to the bid’s chief executive Etienne Thobois.

Budapest, Los Angeles and Rome are also in the running for the Games in eight years' time.

The International Olympic Committee is due to elect a host city at its Session in Lima in September 2017.