Record breaking year for UK tourism
2004 is set to be a record year for UK tourism, according to the latest statistics.
In its annual report published today, VisitBritain will post a record estimated figure of 26.34 million international visitors for 2004. This eclipses the previous record of 25.7 million visitors, recorded in 1998.
VisitBritain chairman Sir Michael Lickiss said: “British tourism is now well on the road to recovery following the challenges of the last three years.”
VisitBritain is heralding its £4 million European Short Breaks Campaign a success, claiming that it boosted visitor numbers up 10% from Western Europe and earned £162 million for UK tourism.
A £2 million campaign targeting major US cities was also credited with boosting visitors from across the pond. The promotions received praise from culture secretary Tessa Jowell who said the industry was in good health, aided by the organisation’s promotional campaigns.
VisitBritain says it has a target of making the UK tourism industry worth £100 billion a year by 2010, and called for further investment in tourism.
Report by Ginny McGrath
Ginny McGrath
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