From 18 to 20 November, Union Members will be invited to explore the Host City of the 1908, 1948 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games, the first one hosting three editions of the Games in Olympic history. The World Union of Olympic Cities deeply thanks London (Greater London Autority) for hosting the Olympic legacy trip.

With regeneration, transformation & sustainable legacy as the core themes of the trip, London will embark participants in a visit to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, on behalf of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) – the custodians of one of the world’s most successful and long‑lasting Olympic legacies. London continues to be a global leader in regeneration, venue operation, community impact, and post‑Games transformation. This visit will offer delegates a first‑hand look at how the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games catalysed a decade of sustained growth and innovation across sport, culture, education, housing, and place-making. 

WEDNESDAY 18 NOVEMBER

13:00 : Transfer to Geneva Airport

20:00 : Welcome Dinner

THURSDAY 19 & FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER

London is one of the world’s most diverse and globally connected cities, with over 300 languages spoken daily and communities representing almost every nation. This diversity fuels London’s cultural vibrancy, global outlook, and its reputation for hosting major events with warmth, creativity, and accessibility. The capital hosts one of the most extensive ranges of elite sporting venues anywhere in the world – from Twickenham and Lord’s to the London Aquatics Centre, Lee Valley VeloPark, The O2 and Emirates Stadium. But what truly distinguishes London is the unique ecosystem within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: a single district where Olympic venues, global cultural institutions, creative campuses, community spaces and world‑class education sit side‑by‑side. 

This is London’s legacy model in action: a stadium hosting Premier League football, MLB, athletics and global concerts; a velodrome offering Olympic‑level training while delivering 90% community access; a aquatics centre welcoming 10+ million visitors while remaining a high‑performance hub. Cultural institutions such as Sadler’s Wells East, V&A East and the ABBA Arena are not added extras, they are integral to London’s proposition, enabling sports delegations to enrich their visit with authentic cultural experiences embedded directly within the legacy landscape. 

Together, these assets provide a compelling demonstration of how an Olympic and Paralympic Games district can evolve into a long‑term, sustainable regeneration project. More than a decade on, the Park continues to deliver significant economic, cultural, and social benefits for London and its communities. London now stands as one of the world’s strongest examples of enduring Olympic legacy in practice, offering a proven model that other cities can draw upon as they shape their own long‑term regeneration and legacy strategies. 

Over two days, the programme will aim to:

• Showcase real-world Olympic legacy in action through on-site visits and expert-led sessions. 
• Explore how cities can deliver long-term regeneration through major sporting events. 
• Connect the World Union of Olympic  Cities’ delegates with London leaders across sport, culture, infrastructure, planning, and community engagement.
• Share learnings on sustainable venue operation, major events hosting, and long-term urban transformation. 
• Offer curated cultural, sporting, and urban experiences unique to London. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The World Union of Olympic Cities will organise and cover the transfer from Lausanne to Geneva Airport for participants attending the Olympic legacy trip.

London will provide public transport tickets to travel from the airport to the Olympic legacy trip’s official hotel.

Participants are required to book their flights from Geneva to London at their own expense. The below two flights below are highly recommended:

• SWISS 348: Departure GVA 15:55 – Arrival LHR 16:40 (duration 1h45)
• BRITISH AIRWAYS 2284: Departure GVA 16:05 – Arrival LCY 16:40 (duration 1h35)

If some participants prefer to travel at a time other than the ones scheduled by the Union, please note that it will be their responsibility to organise and finance their own transfer from the airport in London to the hotel.

Participants are responsible for handling their own visa applications to enter the UK. All information is available here.

To facilitate communication with the Union, participants are invited to update their summit registration form, using their personal link, to report their travel information (flight selected) and, if needed, request an invitation letter.