British Prime Minister David Cameron uses London Olympics to extend an invitation to business and visitors around the world

A new drive to promote Britain as a place to visit and do business was launched by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron in New York today.

With the Royal Wedding this year and the London Olympic Games and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee next year, the eyes of the world are on the UK. The British Government is determined to seize this unprecedented opportunity to ensure that 2012 is not only a spectacular celebration of sport, but also a chance to show everything Britain has to offer.

London 2012 Olympic Games mascot, Wenlock, waves during a one year countdown event in Trafalgar Square in central London July 27, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Britain's new GREAT campaign will focus on 10 areas of British excellence, all underlining how the UK is one of the very best places to visit, study, work, invest and do business.

The British Prime Minister, David Cameron said:

"In 2012, there is only one place to be. With the Olympic and Paralympic games coming to London next summer, the greatest show on earth is about to arrive in one of the world's greatest cities.

"But Britain in 2012 will offer more than just sport. It will offer a fantastic opportunity. It is a chance for the world to re-discover the unique qualities that make Britain such a compelling destination – for business and tourism, for innovation and entrepreneurship, for world-class creativity and culture.

"Britain today is simply a great place to visit, study and work. A great place to invest and do business.

"We want to extend an invitation to the world to take a fresh look at everything we have to offer."

Invitation to international business

As part of the invitation to international business, the Prime Minister David Cameron also announced plans for a 'Global Investment Conference ' for investors and business leaders to be held in London on the eve of the Games and an innovative programme of business summits including the 'British Business Embassy' highlighting a range of sectors for global growth and an on-line 'British Business Club'. The programme of business events will be delivered by UK Trade & Investment and is expected to generate, over time, at least a £1 billion boost for British business.

Invitation to visitors

Promoting the UK as a tourist destination is a key part of the GREAT campaign, with Britain aiming to attract an extra 4 million visitors to the country over the next 4 years. The campaign will invite visitors from across the globe to take a fresh look at Britain, from its national parks, to its music festivals, its castles, to its museums and galleries.

The British Government believes that in 2012 Britain has plenty to celebrate and is determined to ensure that the whole world can be part of it.