VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, has said it is prepared to see a drop in tourism in 2012 because of the Olympic Games in London.

According to reports, former Olympic countries such as Australia and Greece suffered with a drop in visitor numbers as holidaymakers were put off by large crowds and increased prices.

And although an estimated 320,000 spectators will come for the Games in 2012, it is not thought this will be enough to compensate for a bigger decline in tourist numbers elsewhere.

VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues said: "To maintain visitor numbers across the year would be a quite extraordinary achievement; we are seeking to do just that but I am pragmatic enough to know it would be difficult.

"The important aspect is the longer-term benefits and the message that it is about Britain, not just London."

VisitBritain is currently in talks with international Olympics rights holders to host their TV coverage outside the Olympic Park to showcase other areas of London and the UK.