UK Sees Mover Overseas Visitors in 2016 Than Ever Before

(Source: Breaking Travel News)

New figures out today show more overseas visitors came to the UK last year than ever before.

In 2016 there were a record 37.3 million inbound visits to the UK, up three per cent on 2015 with visitors spending £22.2 billion, matching 2015’s record spend.

The figures show strong growth in 2016 from North America, Canada and the US - the latter Britain’s most valuable tourism source market, with 4.3 million visits, up seven per cent on 2015.

There were a record 25.3 million visits from the EU in 2016, up four per cent on 2015.

Comparing growth during the last six years shows there were 7.5 million more visits in 2016 than 2010, an increase of 25 per cent.

Tourism minister Tracey Crouch said: “As these record-breaking figures show, the UK is one of the world’s must-visit destinations.

“Our country has so much to offer tourists from home and abroad, from thriving cities to stunning scenery and renowned cultural attractions.

“The industry makes a significant contribution to our economy, and we will continue to support tourism to grow the sector further and promote the UK across the world.”

The figures show a boost in holiday visits to the UK towards the end of 2016 with a record 3.2 million visits from October to December, up 11 per cent on the same period in 2015.

VisitBritain chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “The strong growth in inbound visits demonstrates British tourism’s continued ability to compete for international visitors and deliver economic growth across our nations and regions.

“We must seize the opportunity to build on this, boosting visitor spending by driving home the message of welcome and value particularly in our high spending markets such as China and the US and the valuable European market.”

Inbound visits to friends and relatives saw strong growth throughout 2016 with a record-breaking 11.5 million visits, up ten per cent on 2015.

Tourism is worth £127 billion annually to the UK economy, creating jobs and boosting economic growth across its nations and regions.