Isles of wonder: Olympics did improve Britain's standing in the world China, which hosted the previous Olympics in 2008, was least likely to be positive about the UK's job of organising the 2012 Games. Just 36% of Chinese felt London 2012 was well-organised but 43% still believed the Games had improved the UK's influence over world affairs. A total of 82% of South Africans believed London 2012 was well-organised, along with 78% of people from India, 77% from Thailand, 69% from Poland and 65% from both Brazil and Russia. They are hosting the Rio 2016 Olympics and Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Similar approval of how the London 2012 Olympics was staged was given by 65% of people from Turkey, 57% from the USA, 56% from Spain and 55% from Saudi Arabia, the study found. Danny Boyle's £27 million Olympic opening ceremony reflected the best of both modern and traditional Britain, according to 56% of respondents, while just 7% disagreed with this idea. The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics would have a positive view in the UK of disability, according to 56% of those surveyed. They were also questioned about the impact of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. A total of 27% said they saw or were aware of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations this year. Awareness reached just 9% in Saudi Arabia but 56% in Thailand. In total 31% said the Jubilee had improved their view of the UK, while 3% said it had worsened it. In Britain, a river pageant watched by the Queen was one of the highlights of the Jubilee celebrations staged over a four-day bank holiday in June. Senior royals also made high profile visits on behalf of the Queen to Commonwealth countries. Prince Harry went to the Caribbean and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went to South-east Asia and the South Pacific. John Worne, the British Council's strategy director, said: "To know us is to love us and this year the UK has got everything right in turning some great national moments into global celebrations of excellence, 'can do' attitude and UK culture. The challenge now is to stay on top of the world in 2013. Without a huge global event like the Olympics next year, we need to keep on finding smart new ways to share our soft power assets: English, our education system, our vibrant arts scene and our entrepreneurial spirit to name but a few. VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe said the hard work begins now that the global spotlight is no longer on Britain. She said: "As things stand we are at the pinnacle of our profile overseas. These spectacular events created a once in a lifetime year for the British and a year in which our country has never looked so good to viewers around the world. VisitBritain is forecasting international tourism to Britain will grow by 3% in 2013. This would mean almost one million extra visitors to the UK who will spend a record £19 billion. Ms Dawe said: "Early signs are good and international tourism can certainly deliver."