Visitor numbers to the UK in October were the best results for the year according to BITOA.
The number of inbound visitors to the UK in October was 4.62 percent higher than the same month last year, the biggest increase on 2001 figures so far this year. This was to be expected, however as tourism in October 2001 was severely disrupted by the terrorist attacks on 11 September.
Forward bookings were also ahead of October last year, by 5.47 percent, continuing the positive trend from September and August.
However, visitor numbers and forward bookings in October were still lagging significantly behind 2000 figures, by 21 percent, and 16 percent respectively. A statement from BITOA was up-beat, saying: “Neverthless the figures continue to go in the right direction despite the political and economic uncertainty”.
BITOA collates the figures from questionnaires sent out to its members.
Read our previous stories:
30-Oct-2002 UK tourism recovery set for 2004
10-Oct-2002 UK August visitor numbers continue summer trend
27-Sept-2002 August UK visitor numbers nearly at 2001 levels
24-Sep-02 Interview: BITOA chief executive Richard Tobias
10-Sep-02 Holidaymakers not afraid to fly
12-Aug-02 Visitor numbers show steady improvement, but still down on last year
28-June-02 UK visitor numbers slip back
27-May-02 BITOA figures show visitors trickling back
