An Olympic games for "suits" is to be held in Brighton and Hove next year, generating up to £3 million for the economy.

The news came as the Labour Party confirmed it would be coming to the city for its annual conference in 2009, providing a £15 million boost to hotels, bars and restaurants.

It has been a slow year for conferences in the city after all the major political parties opted for other destinations.

But with confirmation of the Labour Party in October and the UK Corporate Games in June, the tourism sector can look forward to a £18 million bonanza next year.

Brighton and Hove City Council said the games would attract up to 6,000 participants from across the country.

It estimates the event will bring in between £2.5million and £3million as employees of blue chip firms such as Microsoft and British Airways enjoy a weekend away.

Sporting competitions could include anything form athletics to golf and beach volley ball to badminton.

Council leader Mary Mears said she will be encouraging her colleagues and other city employees to take part.

She said: "It is excellent ñ what a great opportunity.

"It will be good for tourism and will be good for healthy living."

The world games has been running since 1988 and has been held in San Francisco, Seville and Hawaii. A report to the council’s cabinet member for tourism David Smith reads: "Given the current economic climate and trading conditions, securing this event for the city would be a positive outcome for local tourism businesses including hotels, restaurants and venues who between them employ almost 13,000 local people."

The councilís tourism team VisitBrighton has already begun discussions with the Withdean Complex, Waterhall and Hollingbury golf courses, and Sussex and Brighton universities.

The firm behind the UK Corporate Games will pay for all promotional, venue and staffing costs.

The South East England Development Agency has been asked to contribute £80,000 towards the total costs while the council is expected to pay the hosting fee of £20,000.