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The number of tourists to the UK reached record levels last year, with a reported 37.5 million visitors.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the number of visitors rose 4% compared to 2015.
The final three months of the year saw an 8% surge in visitors with numbers breaking the 37 million mark for the first time.
London pulled in more overnight visitors than any other town or city, with a figure of 19.1 million.
Some £22.5bn was spent on visits to the UK last year, up 2% from 2015. American tourists spent the more than residents from any other country, a total of 3.4bn up 11% on the previous year.
Edwardian Hotels London suggests that the record numbers are a result of the weak pound following the Brexit vote.
Hasnain Alloo, commercial director, said: “Tourism was the shining beacon of hope for British business throughout 2016, with a record number of tourists visiting our shores to spend money in our hotels, restaurants and shops.”
“What’s exciting for Edwardian Hotels London is the record number of tourists visiting from USA and China last year – key growth markets for our company.
He added, “At the same time, we can’t forget our European neighbours.
“We hope that whatever deal the UK negotiates as part of Brexit, tourists from these key markets can continue to visit us quickly and easily in the future.”
