Record numbers for inbound visitors in 2013
The UK saw record annual inbound spend and record numbers of visitors during 2013, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Overseas visitors spent a record £21 billion in 2013, some 13% more than the previous record from 2012 of £18.64 billion.
This is the highest seen in any 12 month period and the first time the £20 billion mark has been passed.
There were also 32.89 million visits from overseas in 2013, 6% more than in 2012, and exceeding the previous calendar year record set in 2007, which was 32.78 million.
Holiday visits were 7% up from 2012 and 6% above the previous record in 2011 while business visits were up 7% on 2012 and visiting friends and relatives was up 5%.
VisitBritain claims the GREAT Britain campaign is beginning to see results.
Sandie Dawe, chief executive at VisitBritain said: "Not only have we managed to surpass the £20bn barrier for the very first time, but we’ve broken records for holidaymakers and visitors from key growth markets such as China and South Korea.
"Holiday figures are up across the whole of Britain with robust growth for Scotland, Wales, Rest of England and London."
Diane
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps