Record year for UK visits as inbound tourism hits 32.4 million

A record number of overseas visitors travelled to the UK last year, according to preliminary results from the new International Passenger Survey from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). 

During January to November 2014 there were some 32.4 million visits to the UK from overseas visitors, an increase of 7% when compared to the same period in 2013.

These overseas visitors spent just over £20bn, a 3% increase year-on-year.

Figures suggest that there have been 13 million holiday visits to the UK over the eleven months to November 2014, surpassing the previous annual holiday visit record of 12.7 million in 2013.

Patricia Yates, director of strategy and communications at VisitBritain, said: “Inbound tourism continues to be the fastest growing sector of the tourism industry and one of Britain’s most successful export industries, generating jobs and growth across Britain. We are delighted to have played our part in delivering this success.”

VisitBritain has set its 2015 forecast, suggesting there will be 35.1 million visits in 2015 generating visitor spending of £22.2bn – an increase of 2.5% in volume and 4.5% in value.

These spend figures would be a new record and break the £22bn barrier for the very first time.