The joy at London's successful bid to stage the 2012 Olympics was rather short-lived, initially overshadowed by more unwelcome and sinister events. But rest assured, the elation will return - the city has much to celebrate and much to do.

There are already more than 100,000 rooms in London, and they're on the increase. Yet we must also bear in mind that most of the time, the majority of those rooms are full. Occupancy levels are about 80% on average. So do we need more rooms? Yes. Maybe. Probably.

Of course there will be more rooms built, and of course we do need some. But this time it may be different. The Olympics can act as a catalyst for a frenzy of development. But let's make it sustainable, and well founded on a sound economic base.

Consider two recent European examples. Athens saw relatively little increase in hotel supply but hotels did improve qualitatively. But the city has apparently not advanced much. However for the 1992 games, Barcelona saw a manic level of hotel construction which continued subsequently. After the games, occupancy levels plummeted, but it was all part of a grand plan. The Olympics was the question. The response of the public and private sector was the answer and the city is now one of the highest regarded commercial, convention and leisure cities in Europe.

The billions that will be spent in the capital will, of course, benefit the economy in any case. Nowhere will benefit more than east London, which will be at the heart of things. The intention is not just that east London benefits during the games, but that the games provide a spark for the long-term regeneration of the area. Thus sustainability is the key.

The Olympics are a great achievement. But they also pose many questions. The games will be a great success, but then what? Sustainability and strategy will then become evident. In hotel industry terms, there's no doubt that well considered development is both necessary and welcome.

If built on a firm foundation of public policy and private enterprise it will see London win both the games and the aftermath.

Over to you: Are the Olympics good for the hotel industry?

David Bailey, director, TRI

"In my opinion, anything tht raises the profile of a visitor destination and gives people a reason to travel there is good news. Some may say we could see an overbuilding of hotels and services, but nobody builds a hotel for a two-week event. The games could provide the incentive for people to visit the city for the first time, and return."

Martin Armistead, director of hotels, RH International

"Events like this refocus people on the fact that we're a great nation with a great heritage. I hope there won't be a massive increase in hotel construction which will then have a negative effect after the Olympics. Having cruise ships on the Thames, for example, would cater for the increase in visitors without excaberating the situation."

David Cook, cheif executive, CHE Group

"Yes, I do think the Olympics are good news for London's hotels. I think we'll see a positive effect from the construction of hotels and the increase in tourism ove rthe build-up years, the games themselves, and afterwards."

Justin Pinchbeck, general manager, Zetter hotel, London

"There's no doubt it's a good thing for London's hotels. Not only will it bring in tourists, but there will also be people using facilities in the run-up to the games, such as organisational companies and the media."