UK on course for ‘record tourism spending’ has been saved
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UK on course for ‘record tourism spending’
The UK is on track to benefit from record tourism spending next year, according to new research.
Monday 29 December 2014
A record amount of money is set to be spent by foreign nationals visiting the UK next year, according to a new piece of analysis.
By the close of 2014, overseas visitors are due to have spent around £21.3 billion during their trips to the UK, VisitBritain data shows.
The research, which was disclosed by Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, suggests that a sum of around £20 billion was also spent last year.
Looking ahead to 2015, the figures indicate that as much as £22.2 billion could be spent, as records continue to be broken.
‘Varied attractions’
Mr Javid said that the UK boasts many different attractions which can appeal to foreign tourists.
He said: “The tourism sector is driving economic growth for Britain. The Olympic Games and Diamond Jubilee gave us a great platform to showcase the best of Britain but we didn't stop there and have kept up the momentum in the last two years.”
Visitor total rises
Improving trends are also being recorded in relation to the number of people who are visiting Britain.
The study suggests that while a total of 29.8 million visits were made four years ago, some 35.1 million are anticipated over the course of 2015.
US tourists spend the most
Visitors from the US lead the way in terms of the amount being spent on trips to the UK. They spent a combined sum of £2.5 billion in 2013 alone.
However, the amount being spent by Chinese visitors is also growing, with the figure rising to £492 million in 2013.
Overall, 196,000 people from China visited the UK in 2013, up 79.1% on the 2010 reading.
Focus turns to Mexico
The Government has now indicated that its focus will be on the Mexican market as 2015 approaches.
Ministers will aim to build on the 108,000 Mexicans who paid a visit in 2013.
Commenting on the trends, VisitBritain chief executive Sally Balcombe said tourism remains a key export-earner.
She concluded: “One of our priorities for 2015 will be to inspire international visits to the nations and regions, and showcase Britain's magnificent countryside.”
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Copyright Press Association 2014
“The tourism sector is driving economic growth for Britain. The Olympic Games and Diamond Jubilee gave us a great platform to showcase the best of Britain but we didn't stop there and have kept up the momentum in the last two years."
