2005 is likely to be a record year for tourism in London, according to new figures published by Visit London.
According to Sky News, reporting the figures, the city increased its market share of the worldwide tourism market from 1.69 per cent in 2003 to 1.76 per cent in 2004, following years of decline.
In terms of its UK share, London increased from 47.4% to 48.7% in the same period.
This year, visitor numbers to the capital are expected to rise to 13.85 million – a 3.5% increase – with their likely spend in the region of £6.65 billion.
Numbers of visitors from the EU increased more sharply than from elsewhere – something Visit London attributes to the growth of low-cost flights.
Director David Hornby is quoted as saying: “We are delighted with the figures.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd www.newsfromabroad.com
