According to Diana Roberts, of the Tourist Information Centre in Guildford, situated in the county, enquiries about accommodation in the first two months of 2012 had risen 55 per cent over the same period last year.

"We're expecting it to be a big year for tourism in Surrey," she declared.

Jane Standing, general manager of the town's Holiday Inn, said bookings from the beginning of May to mid-July were up 38 per cent against a year ago and pointed to pre-Games training camps as one of the factors behind the jump.

Surrey County Council has sought to persuade Olympic and Paralympic teams to base themselves in the area both before and during each Games, and 23 teams have so far signed up.

The Olympic cycling road-race (pictured) and time-trial events are taking place in Surrey, with around a million spectators expected to line the streets to enjoy the spectacle.

A Surrey-based wine estate has come up with the idea of hosting a Surrey Hills festival on the opening weekend of the Games (July 28 and 29).

"People will be able to taste our wine, a variety of beers and feast on farm produce while watching the rest of the race on a big screen," said Jeannette Simpson, of Denbies Wine Estate.

The Council has been holding workshops explaining how businesses can benefit from the Olympics, with the next scheduled for tomorrow at the famous Shepperton Studios, South-West of London.

Helyn Clack, county council cabinet member for Community Services and the 2012 Games, revealed Surrey businesses have, between them, won more than £740 million ($1,8 billion/€885.2 million) worth of Olympics-related contracts.

Visit Kent, a county tourism body similar to Visit Surrey, also in South-East England, recently reported that it is projecting a £300 million ($478.3 million/€359.1 million) boost to its tourist industry due to London 2012.

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