“Business tourism is likely to be the main beneficiary leading up to, during and post the 2012 Olympics”.

This is one of the key responses, presented by the Business Tourism Partnership, to the Department of Culture Media and Sport’s consultation on the tourism strategy for the 2012 Games.

With overwhelming evidence from Countries which stage the Games experiencing a marked increase in international events, the Partnership’s submission calls for  more co-ordination, resource and support if Britain is to win more large scale events.

The response states that,” With the exception of an international convention centre in London, the Capital and the rest of Britain are well placed to offer excellent facilities and strong management, but what is less certain is the co-ordination structure and appropriate resources that will win this business for Britain”.

The importance of having an International Convention Centre in London is stressed as is the need for a fully funded, VisitBritain’s Business Visitor and Events’ Department to work in a co-ordinated programme with Visit London. This is considered a better way forward than establishing a new joint unit. An Olympic Business Tourism Steering Group, supported by a wider Olympic Business Tourism Forum, is proposed to enable programmes to be implemented throughout Britain.

The Partnership’s response points to major opportunities for growth in incentive travel to Britain and corporate hospitality. It calls for better data to more fully understand business tourism potential, which remains the fastest growing and highest yielding sector of all tourism.

Among other ideas put forward are the creation of a strong business tourism destination brand identity for Britain linking that which is to be developed for all tourism; promoting the use of UK professional event organisers and contractors; developing a series of unique conferences and exhibitions related to sport throughout Britain; focussing the Olympic media on business tourism, introducing Olympic business traveller packages; harmonising hotel and conference centre business facility provision and evaluating Olympic venues for corporate event utilisation post the Games.