Record number of visits to UK hits 32.4 million in 2014

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

Some 32.4 million visits to the UK were recorded between January and November, an increase of 7% compared with the same period in 2013. Spending from these visits amounted to more than £20b, up 3% year-on-year.

A total of 13 million visits were accounted for by holiday trips, passing the previous annual holiday visit record of 12.7 million in 2013.

Figures also released today of inbound visitors to the UK during November 2014 show a year-on-year increase of 7% to 2.6 million, with spending reaching £1.5b.

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 is now forecasting that there will be 35.1 million visits to the UK in 2015, generating visitor spending of a record £22.2b - an increase of 2.5% in volume and 4.5% in value.

Next week VisitBritain will launch its Countryside is GREAT campaign in New York.