Coinciding with the franchise’s fiftieth anniversary and the upcoming launch of the twenty-third James Bond 007 sequel, SKYFALL, VisitBritain has announced the launch of its “biggest ever” film tourism campaign.

Rolling out this year and utilising cinema, press and outdoor advertising, the ‘Bond is GREAT’ campaign will entice 007 fans in up to 21 markets to visit the home of the world’s “most dashing secret agent”.

As well as pushing images of iconic London locations appearing in the Bond movies, VisitBritain said the new campaign would also feature an online competition, ‘Agent UK’ designed to allow the Group’s digital and social media following to undertake five online missions across the UK to identify the location of a rogue agent.

The tourist bureau’s chief executive Sandie Dawe said after orchestrating “critical missions for the Queens and country” it was “only right” that the Group called upon the services of 007 to boost tourism.

“That is a worthy challenge and one that we feel is well on track following an outstanding 2012 that has thrust Britain into the limelight like never before,” Ms Dawe explained.

Australia, the US, Germany and Brazil are among the 21 countries selected to experience the James Bond marketing campaign.