The challenge is to restore the appeal of London at a time of heightened concern about a terrorist attack.
Despite reports that Euro RSCG had already been hired for the 拢10m task, London Tourist Board marketing director Sandra Elliot confirmed she was "still talking to agencies" and would make an appointment "over the next week".
Sources close to the process said AMV, which had extensive experience in creating advertising for the British Tourist Authority, is in line to pick up the brief. The agency declined to comment.
London mayor Ken Livingstone and the private sector are jointly funding the new communications strategy for the capital and the promotional budget for 2003/4 will be the highest ever.
London's visitor numbers slumped by around 10% in 2001 due to a combination of foot-and-mouth disease and safety fears following the September 11 attacks.
Although visitors are returning to the capital, numbers are still well below the 2000 level and could be hit by renewed fears of terrorist attacks.
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