Boost in number of overseas visitors to UK during May
Around 3.6 million international visitors came to the UK in May, an increase of 9% compared with the same month last year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The provisional results for the new International Passenger Survey for May 2015 from the ONS showed that overseas residents spent £1.9b in the UK during these visits.
From March 2015 to May 2015, the number of international visitors rose by 6% from the same period the year before, with spending 5% more during this time.
In the 12 months to May 2015, the number of visits to the UK was 4% higher year-on-year and earnings rose by 1%.
Mike Saul, head of hospitality and leisure at Barclays, said: "In a very competitive global travel market, these figures continue to underline the UK's position as a world class destination. With over 3.5 million overseas visitors spending £2 billion here in May alone, Brand Britain continues to ring at the tills."
Meanwhile, the estimated number of visits abroad by UK residents in May 2015 was 6.1 million, spending £3.3b during these visits.
During the period March 2015 to May 2015, the number of UK residents visiting overseas rose by 12% compared with a year earlier.
For the 12 months to May 2015, the number of visits abroad by UK residents was 5% higher year-on-year and expenditure on these visits rose by 3%.
Saul added: "As confidence at home continues to return, the number of UK holidaymakers heading overseas carries on growing with the strong pound further increasing the popularity of Europe as the preferred destination of choice."
Tourism bodies welcome David Cameron's bid to encourage visits outside London >>
Boost in overseas visitors to UK during April >>
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