More overseas tourists came to Great Britain last year and are also spending more, according to new statistics released today.
The latest International Passenger Survey showed a 6% increase in inbound visitor numbers to the country reaching a record 34.8 million. Spend had also increased by 3% reaching £21.7 billion, with holiday trips at a record 13.7m, up 1m on 2013.
The North America market saw a 4% growth to 3.7m while visits from European countries saw a 7% boost.
“Inbound tourism is increasing year-after-year, with Britain now achieving its second consecutive annual record, with further growth forecast for 2015. The marketplace for global tourism is getting tougher, but the government’s GREAT campaign and VisitBritain’s successful global marketing activity has meant that tourism is increasingly becoming an essential part of the wider success of our economy,” said Sally Balcombe, chief executive at VisitBritain. “Such positive growth from North America is very encouraging and we will look to boost this further with our 2015 Countryside is GREAT campaign, sending all these valuable visitors across the nations and regions of Britain.”
Minister for Tourism Helen Grant said: “I am delighted that tourists from overseas are coming to our country in record numbers, spending more and enjoying the very best of Britain. It confirms that our tourism strategy is working and highlights the important role the industry plays in the government’s long-term economic plan.”
UKinbound is holding its annual convention this week discussing the latest trends in the inbound market. Look out for Travel Daily reports from the convention.
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