THE OFFICIAL promotional agency for London is now London & Partners, incorporating the previous agencies of Visit London, Think London and Study London.
The new agency, which also continues Visit London’s work as the UK capital’s official convention bureau, made its first appearance at IMEX in Frankfurt this week.
Eager to ensure planners understand that the city has room for meetings in the one-year countdown to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the London stand at the exhibition carries the theme Business as Usual, to send the message that it is geared to welcome business travellers, associations and groups throughout 2011, 2012 and beyond.
Last year, business arrivals to the capital rose by 7.6 per cent to 2.75 million. German business visitors saw the biggest rise, with a 39.2 per cent increase, while business expenditure overall also saw a boost, gaining 14.8 per cent on 2009 figures to reach £2.23 billion (US$3.59 billion).
‘‘The results are extremely promising, ahead of what is sure to be an exciting year,” said Barbara Jamison, London & Partners Head of Business Development Europe. We are pleased that so many of our partners can join us at IMEX to communicate our message that London is open for business both pre- and post-Olympic Games.”
“We are also keen to drive home the message that London is the world’s best destination for business because it provides event organisers with the three As: it’s accessible, affordable and acceptable,” she added.
Meanwhile, as part of IMEX activities at the London & Partners stand, London Eastside will launch a new destination guide for professional conference or events organisers tomorrow, listing over 50 unique venues in the area.
