The London Development Agency's (LDA) strategy to attract international travellers to the capital up to and during the 2012 Games has been detailed in the publication of the London Tourism Action Plan 2009-13.

Key priorities include sustaining job opportunities and improving customer service standards in the tourism industry through the London Employer Accord partnership, the Olympic Park Events Plan and the LDA's ongoing £2m international marketing campaign dubbed Only in London.

In addition, 12,000 Host City Volunteers will be recruited to welcome visitors at major transport hubs and attractions, while a new guidebook will be published to aid disabled visitors.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson also plans to support bids to attract major events, including the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, to the capital.

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. I want visitors to London not only to return home telling all their friends and relatives about our wonderful capital, but also to start planning their next trip to the best city in the world."

Sally Chatterjee, interim CEO of Visit London, added: "The Tourism Action Plan is an important part of the successful promotion of London and will continue to add value to the tourism industry across the capital."

London attracted almost 15 million overseas visitors and more than 11 million domestic visitors in 2008, helping to support 253,000 jobs and earning the city £22bn.