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London welcomed a record number of international tourists last year, according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) International Passenger Survey (IPS).
Some 17.4 million visits to the city in 2014 marked an increase of 3.5% from the previous record of 16.8 million visits in 2013. Visitors also boosted the London economy by £11.8bn compared to £11.5bn in 2013, an increase of 3%.
The uplift in visitor numbers is reflected across Britain which welcomed nearly 34.4 million visitors, a 5.2% increase compared to 2013. In total, international tourists spent £21.8bn, up 2.8% compared to the previous year.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “These terrific new figures confirm that record numbers of tourists are spending record amounts of dosh in our amazing city.
“Our status as the number one destination in the world is surely beyond any doubt, and with incredible attractions like the Rugby World Cup heading our way we look forward to welcoming many thousands more visitors to London.”
London & Partners, which runs VisitLondon, said that the city proved to be one of the world’s “biggest tourist magnets” with exhibitions and events including the Frieze Art Fair, the Tour de France Grand Départ, Wimbledon Tennis Championships and the Chelsea Flower Show, encouraging people to visit from all over the world.
Driven by the 100th Anniversary of World War I, London & Partners said one of the most significant trends was an increase in people visiting military exhibitions, up 22% to 3.6 million.
The Tower of London’s Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red art installation welcomed more than 5 million visitors, while maritime attractions, such as the HMS Belfast, also increased 13% to three million visits.
