The number of international business and leisure visitors arriving in the UK in the first half of 2015 reached 16.8 million, the highest figure recorded in the first six months of any year and a 5% increase compared to 2014.
In addition, visits to the UK by overseas visitors were 3% higher in the 12 months to June 2015 compared to the previous 12-month period at 34.9 million. In June the UK welcomed 3.23 million visitors, in line with the record set in June 2014.
The data, released by VisitBritain, shows the number of visitors from North America rose 15% year-on-year in June and 4% in the first-half overall.
Business visits set a new June record with 16% growth in June 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Signs of a strengthening recovery may be reflected in business visits currently tracking 13% more than they were in the first half of 2014 and showing double digit (month-on-month) growth in four of the first six months of this year.
Another record for the first six months of any year was recorded in the form of the 9.8 million visits from the UK’s largest visit-generating region, the EU15 countries, which accounted for more than half of all overseas visits (58%), a 3% increase compared to the first half of 2014.
Spending throughout the first six months of 2015 reflects the impact of exchange rate shifts, in particular, the strengthening value of Sterling compared to the Euro. Overseas visitors spent £2.1 billion (in nominal terms) while in the UK during June, 1% below the record reported in June 2014. However, overseas visitor spending remained on-par with the first six months of 2014, which closed as a record spending year.
Patricia Yates, director of Strategy & Communications said: “Tourism continues to be one of Britain’s most successful industries, where we are competing in an environment of shifting exchange rates. It is also positive to see continued return to growth from North America market, our most valuable market, and business visitors.”
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