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UK visitor arrivals hold up better than expected
The London terrorist bombings in July contributed to a 13.5% slump in overseas visitors to the UK, new figures show.
Statistics from UKinbound show that numbers dropped 9.3% in July and slumped further in August over the equivalent months last year.
However, the trade organisation described the international response to the July terrorist attacks as being “mixed” with some source markets down and others – notably North America – remaining firm.
“As expected August proved to be a difficult month for our members with London-based attractions suffering the most,” a statement said.
Ukinbound, which represnts 290 companies and organisations, expects full year visitor numbers and revenues to be flat at 2004 levels of 27.8 million and £13 billion respectively.
It said: “Overall, the number of overseas visitor arrivals has held up better than we initially feared and by the end of the month we could just see the first, tentative signs of recovery. Forward bookings remain weak but members are reporting improved interest in last minute deals.”
The group said that high oil prices remain the biggest barrier to a swift recovery.
“We expect to see the gradual improvements in our key markets continue and would hope to be back to normal trading patterns by the end of the year,” UKinbound said.
Report by Phil Davies
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