UK tourist numbers hit a record 34.8 million; spend up 3%

MORE overseas tourists came to Great Britain last year and they also spent more, according to the latest International Passenger Survey.

The UK recorded a 6% increase in inbound visitor numbers, reaching a record 34.8 million. Spend increased by 3% to £21.7 billion.

Inbound tourism from North America – Britain’s most valuable tourism source market – delivered an annual visit growth of four percent to 3.7 million, making it the best year since 2008.

‘Inbound tourism is increasing year-after-year,’ said Sally Balcombe, chief executive of VisitBritain, ‘with Britain now achieving its second consecutive annual record, and 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

‘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.’

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