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Visits to the UK by overseas residents fell by 2% in August 2014, compared to last year, but earnings from these visits rose by 7%, according to the latest ONS travel and tourism figures.
Overall visits to the UK have risen by 6% in the year to date, and earnings rose by 1%.
Visits abroad by UK residents fell by 1% during the last three months, compared to the same period in 2013, expenditure fell by 22%.
Mike Saul, head of hospitality and leisure at Barclays, said: “Despite the surprising dip in year on year numbers for August, the overall picture throughout most of 2014 is one of growing visitor numbers and spend. A rich culture, highly sought-after retail offering and top leisure facilities continue to attract an increasing number of overseas visitors.
“Similarly, with UK consumer confidence continuing to rise, the drop in travellers heading overseas probably has more to do with the fine summer weather we’ve had this year rather than any reflection on current levels of discretionary spend.”
