London takes notice of its carrying capacity

Push to even out seasonal tourism and avoid overload as London set for rapid growth in visitor numbers as pound falls

The Mayor of London and visitlondon.com  have launched a new vision to accelerate the capital’s status as a world-class tourist destination. Tourism numbers in London are set to rise, with more than 40 million people expected to visit the city annually by 2025, an increase of 30 per cent on 2016.

The Tourism Vision for London, also projects visitor spending to grow to £22 billion a year, up from £14.9 billion in 2016. The surge in visitor numbers could be bolstered in the short-term by currency fluctuations. The sector employs 700,000 people in London – equivalent to 1 in 7 jobs

The report makes four recommendations:

• Invest in more pre-visit promotion to attract more first-time visitors and the boost numbers travelling in off-peak periods
• Invest in information and the visitor experience to allow people to explore more of the city
• Ensure London can sustain and accommodate growing numbers of visitors through investment in cultural infrastructure, improving visitor amenities and harnessing digital technology
• Develop the infrastructure for business visits to ensure the city remains attractive for event organisers and delegates

The Tourism Vision for London and this year’s Autumn Season were launched by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at an event at the Natural History Museum.

The Mayor said:  "It’s important that all Londoners benefit from a growth in tourism. By inspiring visitors to come to our great city during quieter periods like autumn and to find hidden gems off the beaten track, we can ensure that the projected growth in visitor numbers is sustainable and that the tourism and cultural industries work for everyone.

"London’s Autumn Season will show visitors what it is like to explore the city like a Londoner, whether that’s finding the capital’s secret treasures or visiting its world-leading exhibitions and shows. More than ever it is vital to ensure that the capital extends a warm welcome to all guests of our incredible city."

This year’s Autumn Season will shine a spotlight on the best events taking place across the capital in the months ahead. It will also give people the chance to experience the city like a Londoner with the help of special guides including: vocalist and broadcaster Jumoké Fashola, author and fashion historian Amber Buchart, London events and culture vloggers Pete and Jens, and Blue Badge Tour Guide, David Mildon.

Jumoké Fashola says: "London is an incredible place to visit – no matter the time of year, it breathes excitement. It’s an open city that smiles and always has something to give. Culture is embedded in its very fibre – and I can’t wait to perform at the London Jazz Festival, now in its 25th year. Whether it’s art, drama, theatre or dance – London’s Autumn Season has something for everyone."

Valere Tjolle

@ValereTjolle

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