Tourist spending in Britain up 23% compared to July 2012, in post-Olympic "bounce"

Tourist spending in Britain is up almost a quarter compared to July last year, with the post-Olympic recovery driving businesses to record levels across the past 12 months.

New figures from the International Passenger Survey show tourist spending in July 2013 has increased by 23% year-on-year, with overseas visitors spending a record £2.52b compared to the previous high of £2.43b in August 2012. A record spend of £19b was recorded during the 12 months to July 2013.

VisitBritain suggests that tourism businesses across the country are benefitting from a post-Olympic "bounce", with 4% more visits to Britain in the first seven months than the same period in 2012, and more visits so far than during the same time time-frame of any other previous year.

Minister for Tourism Hugh Robertson added: "Tourism in Britain has never been stronger and the industry is making a big contribution to the economic recovery. More people are coming to Britain, spending more money and enjoying all the great things this country has to offer."

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