The sport's flagship circuit will be the "biggest and best" in history, the governing body has claimed.

More prize money will be on offer while the ITTF has promised better sports presentation and more television coverage.

Twelve World Tour events will be held during the 2018 season.

"The ITTF is inviting all cities and countries around the world to get involved in the biggest tour in table tennis," said ITTF President Thomas Weikert.

"The world’s best table tennis players, playing in 12 events across the globe, provides immense promotional and commercial value to cities. 

"We are looking forward to working with all our hosts and partners to take the ITTF World Tour to the next level."

Six of the World Tour events will be classed as platinum - the sport's top tier.

The remaining six will be regular World Tour competitions.

At the end of the season, the top 16 players in the men's and women's standings will qualify for the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals.

This is the most lucrative table tennis event in the world.

Bids for the 2018 World Tour will close on March 31.

Germany's Weikert has been ITTF President since September 2014 but was never elected, instead assuming the position automatically as Adham Sharara's deputy when the Canadian stepped down. 

He will seek a mandate from the ITTF membership at a Presidential election on May 31 in German city Düsseldorf.  

Belgium's Jean-Michel Saive and Qatar's current ITTF vice-president Khalil Al-Mohannadi have announced intentions to challenge him.