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Inbound Tourism in the UK Sets a New Record in July 2017

There’s nothing new in the fact that travel industry of the United Kingdom is in full bloom, but the newest information shows that it actually set a new record this summer. According to Visit Britain, July 2017 was the highest month for inbound tourism in the country ever. It’s the best result since the start of the official record in 1961.

In the middle of summer, as many as four million foreign visitors arrived in the country. That is 6% more than a year ago and the first month ever to break the 4 million mark. Not only hotels in the UK benefited from so many visitors, but the economy of the country in general as travelers spend £2.8 billion in the country – the best result on record at the moment as well.

There is a definite improvement in the number of visitors from North America – 650,000 visits, which is 9% more than in July 2016. Of course, the country’s government commented about such an achievement and underlined the importance of tourism industry for the economy of the UK. Great Britain will keep promoting itself as a must-visit destination. Tourism becomes one of the primary export industries, so it’s hard to overestimate its importance for the country.

If count from the beginning of 2017, the UK enjoyed as many as 23.1 million overseas visits – 8% higher than during January – July 2016. The total spending of all foreign visitors is £13.3 billion for the same period, which is also 9% more than a year ago. North America still remains the second biggest source market for the country with 2.9 million visits in January – July 2017. That is 21% up compared to the same period a year ago. Of course, the EU is the leading source market with 15.1 million overseas visits. The growth is not so impressive, however, 4% up.

The remaining “rest of the world” generated 3.6 million foreign visits in January – July 2017, 18% more than a year ago. The biggest source markets are China, the Gulf, and Australia. In general, the tourism industry of the UK brings £127 billion a year, helps to create new jobs, and boosts the development of regions.

29.09.2017

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