Terror backlash hits London attractions
London’s tourist attractions suffered a backlash from the July bomb attacks as tourists stayed away, figures have revealed.
According to data issued by the Association of Leading Visitors Attractions, the National Gallery attracted 4.2 million visitors in 2005, 15.2% fewer than 2004 with Tate Modern and London Eye visitors tumbling 12%.
The Tower of London also suffered, receiving 1.9m tourists, almost 10% down on 2004. Museums fared poorly with the Science Museum falling 7% and British Museum 6%.
Other major attractions such as Madame Tussauds declined to reveal their figures although it too is thought to have suffered.
ALVA said the bomb attacks on July 7 and failed attempt two weeks later had a “considerable impact”, with the weak dollar also affecting arrivals from America.
On a brighter note, attractions outside the capital fared well.
Kew Gardens saw visitors rise more than a quarter to 1.5m while further afield, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard attracted 22.4% more tourists, mainly due to the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.
VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright said: “Some of London’s attractions certainly faced a difficult summer last year as the attacks in July dampened domestic tourism particularly. However, 2005 was a strong year for inbound tourism to Britain with 30 million international visitors spending £14 billion.”
But he said there remained several challenges.
“We must continue to nurture the ever-important American market which has yet to fully recover to 2000 levels, invest in new markets and encourage all our visitors to stay longer and spend more while they are here.”
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