All eyes will be on the Olympic stadium - but the University of Kent is also expecting a big cash boost from the Games

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The Olympic and Paralympic Games will be worth more than a million pounds to the University of Kent.

German tourists and federal police officers, American marching bands, the Nepalese team, talented young German table tennis players coming to observe, representatives of National Olympic Committees, players in the Chinese sitting volleyball team, as well as members of the British public are among clients welcomed this summer by the university’s hospitality arm.

Kevin Stuckey, residences and conference manager, expects revenue to come in at more than £1.3 million from the Games alone.

"We’re a third of the price of London venues and give much better value for money," he said. The university charges its tourist customers £50 a night B&B for a single room, £75 for a double – a 12.5% premium to cover higher overheads.

Early on, the university negotiated a deal with DERTOUR, a leading German tourism operator. Austrian tour operator PDM Touristik has brought 500 young Americans in youth bands, who will perform in key cities during the Olympics.

The British Chambers of Commerce, with many members across the county, said it would be a fantastic opportunity fo showcase the best of Britain and show visitors "we are ready to trade with the world".

John Longworth, director general, said: "We believe the Olympics will provide a timely confidence boost for businesses, particularly in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, and for the UK economy as a whole. The feel-good factor surrounding the Games is especially critical in the wake of the very poor GDP statistics released earlier in the week."

But he warned productivity could suffer as a result of congested transport networks, staffing disruptions, plus delays and cancellations to key deliveries.

"Olympic organisers and government ministers must stay in close contact with business to minimise disruptions, and ensure that the Games are more of a help than a hindrance to the UK economy."

Meanwhile, Kent tourism chiefs are hoping to reap a legacy from the Games as thousands of visitors head into the county via ferry, Eurotunnel and Eurostar.

Sandie Dawe, chief executive of VisitBritain, was at Ebbsfleet International to see the "gateway to the Games".

She saw the images of Kent on display at the station as part of a GREAT marketing campaign.

She also met Games Time Kent Greeters. She said: "‘Kent has so much to offer the visitor and I was delighted to experience some of its attractions during my trip."

Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive of VisitKent and pictured left, said the Greeters "will be assisting everyone taking advantage of our key travel routes to the Games and letting visitors know just how much Kent has to offer".