The UAE was one of Great Britain’s top three fastest-growing source markets in Q1 2016, according to the latest figures from tourism board VisitBritain.
January and March 2016 was the best ever first quarter for the destination in terms of inbound visits, with the US and Germany
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) results show that during the first three months of this year, visits from the UAE to Great Britain were up 15% to 77,000, the strongest first quarter on record, with spend also up 9% to £105 million.
Visits from the US, the UK’s most valuable visitor market, grew by 9% to 542,000 compared to the same period last year. Strong growth was also seen from EU countries with 5.4 million visits, a 10% increase on the first quarter of last year, and spend up 7% to £1.8 billion.
Germany and Spain showed double-digit growth in visits and spend in the first quarter. Visits from Germany grew 24% to 602,000 with spend up 26% to £222 million. A new record was set for the number of inbound visits from Spain which grew by 12% to 548,000, with spend also up 15% to £195 million.
Visits from China, the world’s largest outbound market, were on par with last year’s record first quarter, putting the market on track for another good year.
VisitBritain director Patricia Yates said: “It’s really encouraging to see strong growth in visits from some of our most important markets and we now have the opportunity to build on this as Britain is offering great value for inbound visitors.
“We are anticipating a strong summer holiday season as we spread this message of value and continue our global #OMGB ‘Home of Amazing Moments’ marketing campaign to inspire visitors with the amazing experiences they can only find in Britain and work with partners to offer great tactical deals to drive bookings. It’s a great summer to come to Britain.”
Last year set a record for inbound tourism to Britain on visits and spend with 36.1 million visits, 5% up on 2014, and spending up 1% to £22.1 billion.
Earlier this year, ONS data revealed GCC tourism to Britain hit a record 723,773 in 2015, with £1.59 billion spent. This was a record
Out of all visits to Britain from the GCC, the UAE recorded highest volume with 347,000 visits in 2015, (up 34%) on 2014. Saudi Arabia followed with 147,000 visitors, a two percent increase on 2014, Kuwait with 104,000 visitors, a three percent increase on 2014 and Qatar with 76,000 visitors (25%) increase on 2014.
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