Visit London and Visit Britain have joined forces to form a dedicated London 2012 business tourism team.

The aim of the group is to maximise on opportunities for business tourism during the 2012 Games, as well as providing a forum for the industry to share knowledge and increase communication.

It will be headed by David Sharpe, London divisional director of Merlin Entertainments Group. The rest of the body will consist of representatives from Visit London, Visit Britain and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games.

Visit London commercial director David Hornby said: "We want to engage with the wider industry at a senior level as early as possible, to build on the work we have already done and to create a lasting legacy for the entire business tourism industry; not just London, but throughout the UK."

Plans announced include an annual conference, the first of which will be held during International Confex next year.