Visit London is making a major push for the capital in the European meetings and events sector by becoming the first ever visitor organisation and destination to sponsor Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Europe.

This strategic partnership aims to increase London's profile and win business from the European meeting and events market by targeting MPI's excellent educational events and professional network of meeting planners.

Barbara Jamison, Sales Manager Europe at Visit London said: 'Working with MPI marks a significant step forward for Visit London in showcasing the capital. We welcome the increased contact with the European Chapters and support MPI's strategy to educate professionals throughout the industry. We hope to be able to enhance MPI members' educational activities by inviting them to London and increasing their product awareness. London is the city where the world meets and we look forward to welcoming MPI members to our world class city.'

MPI is the world's largest individual membership association in the meetings and event industry. It has rapidly become the largest association on the continent with activity in France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, The Netherlands, Norway and the UK, with the Czech Republic and Spain in development.

By 1 July 2005, MPI is expected to have more than 1,300 members in Europe.

Didier Scaillet, MPI Director of European Operations and Global Development said: 'We are thrilled to welcome Visit London and the world's most exciting city as a European partner. I look forward to working with the Visit London team to generate new opportunities for both our organisations.'