News story

July's overseas visitor spend hits record level of 拢2.52 billion

International Passenger Survey figures reveal overseas visitor spending up by 23%

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Bournemouth beach fills up on hottest day of year in July 2013

Bournemouth beach fills up on a sunny day in July. Credit: Southamption Atlantean via Flickr

The reveal a 23% boost in tourist spending compared to July 2012. This increase saw July enjoy record levels of spend as overseas visitors parted with 拢2.52 billion, beating the previous monthly record of 拢2.43 billion set in August 2012.

Minister for Tourism, Hugh Robertson said:

Tourism in Britain has never been stronger and the industry is making a big contribution to the economic recovery. Following the success of last year, with the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee, more people are coming to Britain, spending more money and enjoying all the great things this country has to offer.

Growth

Britain has also experienced record-breaking levels of inbound tourism this year, with tourism businesses across the whole of Britain benefitting from the post-Olympic 鈥榖ounce鈥�. The first seven months of 2013 have seen more holiday visits to Britain than during the same period of time in any previous year, and 4% higher than the first seven months of 2012.

Across the first seven months of 2013, Britain enjoyed record tourist spend levels of 拢11.24 billion, 13% higher than the same period in 2012. Over the 12 months to July 2013, there has been record spend of 拢19.95 billion. Spend per visit was also at record levels in the 12 months to July 2013, with visitors spending an average of 拢629 - 7% more per visit than in the previous 12 months.

Significantly, July also saw the first positive growth - 2% more visits than in July 2012 - in four months in terms of visits from North America, the market with highest total spend.

More information

Updates to this page

Published 12 September 2013