Hosting the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will result to an estimated £2.34 billion of benefits to the UK tourism industry. Half of this amount is being directly attributed to business tourism. A number of challenges need to be met however in order to leave a lasting legacy for the entire meetings and events community:
- Existing negative perceptions of the cost and logistical issues of holding an event, particularly in London
- A desire to highlight the industry's skills, creativity and expertise as leaders in our field to the rest of the world
- The need to present a unified approach to ensure all business events taking place up to and during 2012 reflect the values and aspirations of the stakeholders.
In response to these challenges, Visit London has produced a voluntary code of practice with the support and input of key events industry trade and marketing bodies, stakeholders and relevant delivery agencies.
It is the first initiative of its kind to be launched across a nation to coincide with the handover of the Games. It therefore enables Visit London to connect with and reassure the market as planning for 2012 events is already under way.
The charter will be championed by an industry working group, together with support from Visit London and VisitBritain, to ensure continued industry engagement. There are also plans to provide future forums for the industry to share knowledge and increase communication.
Visit London is now inviting all event suppliers to register their interest in joining this initiative and form a group of professional organisations who are committed to making the Games a success for all. So whatever your function, if you want to be connected to the designated 2012 user groups, please sign up to the agreement.
Read The 2012 UK Event Industry Fair Pricing and Practice Charter (PDF 1.32MB)
Download the 2012 Charter sign-up form (PDF 18KB)
Read a list of the companies already signed up to the 2012 Charter (MS Excel 121KB)
