The survey from ZDF, a highly respected barometer of public opinion, shows that backing for the bid still lags behind its main rival Pyeongchang, who recently claimed that 91.4 per cent of South Koreans are behind them.

But officials from the Bavarian capital believe that the poll demonstrates that momentum is beginning to gather behind them as they enter the homestraight.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is due to choose the host city at its Session in Durban on July 6, where Annecy will also be among the candidates.

"We are delighted with the latest results showing 75 per cent of Germany is supporting our bid," said Katarina Witt, the chair of Munich 2018.

The IOC Evaluation Commission is due to visit Munich between March 1 and 4. 

"We see this as confirmation of the unparalleled enthusiasm for winter sports in our country, and we will be building on that enthusiasm throughout our packed calendar of winter sports events this season. We are now looking forward to the IOC Evaluation Commission visit in March," said Witt.

"We are eager to welcome our guests to a nation of sports fans all keenly anticipating the decision in July that could see Munich hosting a Festival of Friendship in 2018."

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