Duchess Catherine and Prince George

Duchess Catherine and Prince George

Britain's Prince George is expected to boost tourism to the UK.

The royal heir - who was born on July 22 in the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London - is expected to have the same effect on the economy as his parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's lavish April 2011 wedding, and his grandmother Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

Mark Di-Toro from VisitBritain tourism board told Hello magazine: "The royal baby gives us an opportunity to provide some great family friendly travel ideas and of course heighten the profile of our royal attractions across Britain."

Around 600,000 people visited Buckingham Palace during the two months it was open to the public in 2012, and similar crowds are expected to flock to London this year.

Places of royal significance like St Andrews, Anglesey, Norfolk and Cambridge are also due to see tourism rise.

Mark added: "We also hope to see that there will be demand for memorabilia like key rings, tea towels and china."

Royal baby memorabilia is proving popular among collectors and fans alike, with favourites including the Royal Collection Trust's china and homeware collections.

Items are emblazoned with the full name and date of birth of His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge, and are decorated with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's gold coronet.