Eurotunnel, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, has signed a partnership agreement with the conseil général of the Pas-de-Calais in northern France to help promote tourism in the region.

The agreement outlines 36 economic, tourism and sports development projects which have been designed to support wider objectives, including the international promotion of the 'euroregional' destination and involving the region in activities surrounding the London 2012 Olympics.

Among the projects to be led by Eurotunnel and the conseil général of the Pas-de-Calais is a bid to establish the Dover Straits as a World Heritage Site, which would add to the UK's 28 existing sites on the world heritage list.

Other schemes include the centenary celebration of Louis Blériot's flight across the English Channel, the creation of a tourist destination at Sangatte, and the construction of facilities to host sports delegations involved in the 2012 Games.

Jacques Gounon, chief executive of Eurotunnel, said: "With strong development know-how, Eurotunnel is working with the 2012 Games in mind towards the emergence of a tourist destination with international visibility on its doorstep."

Chair of the conseil général of the Pas-de-Calais, Dominique Dupilet, said: "This voluntary agreement initiative reflects the spirit of the partnership, a willingness to open up in its development and seizing all opportunities to make the Pas-de-Calais a department that is united, innovative and lasting."