Visit London and VisitBritain, supported by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), are to create a dedicated industry group to capitalise on the opportunities for business tourism in the UK in the lead up to the Olympic Games in 2012.

The industry group will work to develop a range of initiatives designed to maximise the opportunities that the games provide, such as the already announced Fair Pricing – Fair Practice Charter, whilst at the same time providing a forum for the industry to share knowledge and increase communication.

“We want to engage with the wider industry at a senior level as early as possible to build on the work we have already done and to create a lasting legacy for the entire business tourism industry; not just in London, but throughout the UK” said David Hornby, Commercial Director at Visit London.

The team will be coordinated by a senior group, consisting of representatives from Visit London, VisitBritain and LOCOG and will be headed by David Sharpe, Managing Director of the London Eye and Divisional Director of London midway attractions, Merlin Entertainment’s Group. There will also be a ‘thought leader’ group, made up of senior figures from across the industry, which will advise on areas of strategy and develop further projects. Other plans being announced include an annual industry conference, the first of which will be held in 2009 during International Confex, and a series of knowledge workshops and networking events.

Joss Croft, Head of Business Visits & Events at VisitBritain comments; “I am genuinely excited by this project. London 2012 provides enormous opportunities for the industry, not just in London but in every part of the UK, and this will give business tourism an even greater voice over the next four years and beyond.”

The team will be formally announced at a briefing during National Meetings Week on 17th September at Event UK, which is being held at the NEC Birmingham.