Strong growth predicted for UK tourism in 2015
UK tourism is expecting strong growth in 2015 as the ‘GREAT’ campaign and simplified visas make an impact.
VisitBritain predicts inbound tourism spend will rise by 4.5% in 2015.
And the UK’s heritage continues to be its greatest asset due to TV programmes like Downton Abbey and Sherlock Stateside, it claims.
Buckingham Palace, Scottish and Welsh Castles, Stonehenge and a Premier League match are the top five must-sees for a person visiting from China.
Norwegian, French, German and American visitors also all cite British heritage as the main reason to explore the country.
Chinese tourists spent £492 million in 2013, up from £184 million in 2010.
Over that period the number of visits from Chinese people rose by 79.1% to 196,000.
The number of visits from Mexicans has also climbed from 67,000 in 2010 to 108,000 in 2013.
However, the US is still the nation with the biggest spend to the UK – splashing out £2.5 billion in 2013, up 19.4% on 2010.
Spend by visitors from France and Germany is up 18.2% and 18% to £1.35 billion and £1.4 billion respectively.
Sally Balcombe, chief executive of VisitBritain said: "One of our priorities for 2015 will be to inspire international visits to the nations and regions and showcase Britain’s magnificent countryside."
Diane
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