London visitor numbers hit record levels

LONDON’S draw as a tourism magnet continued in the second quarter of this year, with a 6% rise in foreign visitors to a record 5.1 million. Tourist spending in the UK capital over the same period was £3.2 billion, up 8% on the April to June period last year, according to the Office for National Statistics. 

The latest figures mean that the number of overseas visitors to #London has risen by 22.5% over the past five years.

The UK-wide picture was also positive, with 9.9 million international visitors to the three-month period, a rise of 5% year-on-year.

Overall tourist spending across the UK was £5.8 billion, a 7% increase compared with the second quarter of 2014.

The latest figures follow on from a record-breaking 2014 when London attracted 17.4 million overseas visitors, spending £11.8 billion.

Overseas visitor arrivals in London are forecast to reach 18.82 million this year, putting the city ahead of Bangkok and Paris.

London mayor Boris Johnson said: ‘These numbers prove that our great capital is without a doubt the best place on earth to visit. People come from around the world to experience our unique mix of history, culture, shopping, and world-class events.

London will add another major event to its calendar in January … a free outdoor light festival, Lumiere London.

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