BUSINESSES have landed a windfall of hundreds of thousands of pounds from Queen Mary 2 - even before the giant liner sets sail on her maiden voyage.

Tourists from across the country have been flocking to catch a glimpse of the 150,000-tonne ship - and spending their cash on businesses in Southampton.

As the Queen arrives in the city today to officially name QM2, the Daily Echo can reveal that taxi firms, hotels and city-based coach and ferry companies have all benefited from the huge cash bonanza.

Businesses estimate that £200,000 will be spent by visitors trying to view the £550m ship before she sails for Fort Lauderdale next Monday.

Figures released by the city's chamber of commerce show that the liner could have brought £140,000 of extra revenue to city taxi firms, caterers and coach companies during the first two weeks she has been in port.

The news comes just weeks after the Daily Echo revealed that the massive vessel could generate up to £100m a year for the regional economy.

Tours to view the ship have been organised by Marchwood Motorways. Southampton-based Blue Funnel has also organised boat excursions to the liner which have boosted its income by £60,000.

Bookings at city centre hotels have also soared by a massive 500 per cent - netting £25,000 of extra bookings for hoteliers during what is the traditionally slow month of January.

Southampton City Council's Cabinet member for tourism and leisure Councillor Peter Wakeford said he was not surprised that the liner had already generated such huge interest.

He said: "We did say this would be the case. I am delighted that businesses are benefiting."

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