The minister for tourism, Margaret Hodge, has told the Business Tourism Partnership that she is prepared to offer her support for international event bids and has pledged to write to Whitehall colleagues about the importance of hosting large events in the UK.

It was agreed that a formal planning mechanism, looking five years in advance, would be developed by a working group – made up of representatives of VisitBritain and the DCMS – which would submit proposals to Hodge.

The events that receive preference will be those that meet the economic and social priorities of the government’s agenda.

Michael Hirst, chair of the Business Tourism Partnership, said: “Bids for international events have the greatest impact when supported and attended by ministers.

“The UK competes with countries where local and national politicians become very involved in playing a leading role in event bids, so it is vital that our politicians do the same.”

Margaret Hodge added: “The London 2012 Olympic Games provide business tourism and events with an excellent opportunity to push the UK’s share of the global events tourism to an all time high.

“The sector is of vital importance to the UK economy and 2012 gives us a unique opportunity to reinforce our position as a premier destination for business tourism.”