Plans unveiled for businesses to capitalise on 2012 Games

The London Tourism Action Plan 2009-13, produced by the London Development Agency, provides a vision for businesses to take full advantage of the huge opportunities during the Games. The Plan's key priorities until 2013 are to: • Support jobs in the industry by increasing trade through campaigns like 'Only in London'; through opening up hospitality opportunities to local job seekers through the London Employer Accord's partnership with the hospitality sector, and improving customer service standards using the Games as an inspiration. • Deliver and promote a world-class sense of 'welcome' 'by developing plans to recruit up to 12,000 Host City Volunteers during the 2012 Games. The trained Host City Volunteers will be on hand to welcome visitors at airports, mainline train and tube stations, as well as at key attractions, to help tourists enjoy their visit. • Capitalise on the 2012 Games to ensure London maintains its position as a leading destination for international leisure and business tourism. Initiatives include developing an Olympic Park Events Plan and publishing a new guidebook for disabled visitors. • Exploit the spotlight of the Games to grow London's reputation as a premier global sporting, cultural and business events city by supporting bids to bring major events to London like the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Boris Johnson, said: "In 2012, London will welcome thousands of visitors and it is essential that the capital gives them, and the millions who come before and after the London Games, an unforgettable experience. We must continue work to develop London's tourism offer and work closely together to ensure that visitors, particularly our 2012 guests, have a great time." The London Development Agency (LDA) consulted with over 100 industry experts to ensure that the plan reflects the ongoing work of the capital's tourism industry. Key projects are now being delivered that are attracting visitors to the capital and improving their experience of the city. The 'Only in London' £2 million international marketing campaign to boost the number of overseas visitors to the capital is already paying off. An initial investment of £600,000 between December and March from the LDA and four central London boroughs generated an economic benefit of £11.4 million.