UK tourism sees best November in five years
In-bound tourism visits have received a boost, with news that Britain recorded its highest November numbers for overseas visitors since 2007, according to figures just released by the Office for National Statistics.
The number of visits to Britain in November 2012 was 9% higher than in the same month the previous year, helping the country remain on track to receive 31 million visits by the end of last year.
November saw growth for all journey purposes, with holiday visits up 9%, visits to friends and relations up 6% and an 11% rise in business visits.
There was also an increase in visits from all regions in the world. On average the whole of Europe saw a 10% rise, with visits from the rest of the world up 12% (apart from North America).
Meanwhile, the statistics show that a record high of £17.2b was spent by overseas visitors during the first 11 months of 2012
Patricia Yates, director of strategy at VisitBritain, said: "To have the best November in five years is some achievement as 2012 was no ordinary year for inbound tourism.
"We expect to reach our forecast of 31 million visits for the full year, giving us the perfect foundation to see continued strong growth in international tourism in 2013, contributing revenue to the UK economy and creating new jobs across Britain."
VisitBritain launches latest stage of GREAT marketing campaign post Olympics >>Olympics and Paralympics reduced overseas visitor numbers but increased spending >>By Janet Harmer
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