London Olympics boost UK's image: study

 　　LONDON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A study released by VisitBritain on Thursday suggested that image of the UK was greatly boosted by the hosting of the London 2012 Games.

　　According to result of the study, global perceptions of "welcome", Britain's "overall nation brand" and the sporting and cultural credentials¹ of the UK have significantly improved thanks to the Games.

　　The Nations Brands Index (NBI) research rates 50 of world's leading nations around six core categories, was carried out in last July and repeated after the Olympics.

　　Britain has moved from the twelfth place as a welcoming nation to the ninth, edging into the top 10 for the first time.

　　Its overall national brand and culture ranking moved up one place, with tourism in the fourth position. Nine of the panel countries, including the United States, China, Japan, Russia and India, ranked the UK in the top three on the overall NBI.

　　The study also found that among those polled for the study, 63 percent said the Olympic had increased their interest of visiting the UK for a holiday, 75 percent agreed they wanted to see more than London, and 70 percent said Britain had lovely countryside.

　　Perceptions of British sport see it move up two places into the top five in the overall rankings. The UK will continue to host major sporting events in the coming years such as a Champions league Final, Tour de France, and the World Athletics² Championships.

　　"London's hosting of the Games, the amazing opening and closing ceremonies and the warmth of welcome shown to our international visitors have combined to boost our global image," said Sandie Dawe, Chief Executive of VisitBritain.

　　"Britain is already an established visitor destination and our tourism ranking is high. The goal this year was to maintain rankings in culture and heritage where we are strong, and improve in areas such as the warmth of our welcome where we had room for improvement."Culture Secretary Maria Miller³ noted⁴ that the summer of 2012 put the UK firmly in the global spotlight⁵, shaping international perceptions and showing the best of Britain.

　　"We are determined⁶ to deliver a lasting⁷ economic legacy⁸ for the whole country, boosting tourism and growth," she said.

1 credentials   

n.证明，资格，证明书，证件

参考例句：

• He has long credentials of diplomatic service.他的外交工作资历很深。
• Both candidates for the job have excellent credentials.此项工作的两个求职者都非常符合资格。

2 athletics   

n.运动，体育，田径运动

参考例句：

• When I was at school I was always hopeless at athletics.我上学的时候体育十分糟糕。
• Our team tied with theirs in athletics.在田径比赛中，我们队与他们队旗鼓相当。

3 miller   

n.磨坊主

参考例句：

• Every miller draws water to his own mill.磨坊主都往自己磨里注水。
• The skilful miller killed millions of lions with his ski.技术娴熟的磨坊主用雪橇杀死了上百万头狮子。

4 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

5 spotlight   

n.公众注意的中心，聚光灯，探照灯，视听，注意，醒目

参考例句：

• This week the spotlight is on the world of fashion.本周引人瞩目的是时装界。
• The spotlight followed her round the stage.聚光灯的光圈随着她在舞台上转。

6 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。

7 lasting   

adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持

参考例句：

• The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
• We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。

8 legacy   

n.遗产，遗赠；先人(或过去)留下的东西

参考例句：

• They are the most precious cultural legacy our forefathers left.它们是我们祖先留下来的最宝贵的文化遗产。
• He thinks the legacy is a gift from the Gods.他认为这笔遗产是天赐之物。