London will host more than 125 events planners this week as part of the ‘Discovery’ familiarisation trip being organised by VisitBritain, Visit London and Tourism South East.
The event, which for the first time coincides with industry exhibition International Confex, will focus on business tourism following the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Buyers from more than 30 countries arrived in the capital on Sunday for the first part of the five day visit, which also includes optional trips to other UK regions.
Testament to London’s popularity, this year’s Discovery has the highest ever recorded figures, with a 55 per cent jump in the number of planners registered to attend. Previous host cities have included Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff.
More than 34 of London’s iconic venues and attractions are involved with the project. The programme includes viewing of the Olympic Park, QEII Conference Centre, Foreman’s Fish Island, London ICC ExCeL, a flight on the London Eye and dinner at Altitude.
Other highlights are a trip on the Orient Express’s British Pullman train, drinks at Windsor Castle and dinner at the famous Wentworth’s historic golf club.
Barbara Jamison, head of business development Europe for Visit London said: “Over the next two years London is set to host some of the biggest events in the world – from the eagerly expected Royal Wedding in April, The Queen’s Jubilee and of course the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The eyes of the world will be on London and therefore it was incredibly important that we are able to showcase just how many outstanding venues and hotels we have to offer the events and meetings industry through this programme.”
