Overseas visitors spend 拢4.5 billion a year in Britain's shops
Our world-class department stores prove a hit with tourists, new figures show.
The UK鈥檚 high streets are a major attraction for foreign visitors, according to research by VisitBritain.
Findings by the tourism agency estimates that 18 million visitors spent 拢4.5 billion, meaning 25% of all expenditure by overseas visitors is on the UK鈥檚 high streets.
Clothes are biggest draw
According to the survey, the majority of the shopping spend was on clothes, with an estimated 拢2.3 billion generated by foreign tourists. Souvenirs, gifts and household goods were also popular; accounting for around 拢1.6 billion.
The survey shows London鈥檚 world-class shops, stores and markets are a major attraction, with around 81% of holiday visitors going shopping during their visit to the capital. The regional benefits are also clear, with between two thirds and three quarters of holiday visitors shopping across the UK.
Further analysis of the research found that a 鈥榮hopping鈥� tourist spends more, an average of 拢680 per trip, than an 鈥榦rdinary鈥� overseas tourist who typically spends 拢580.
Building on 2012
Minister for Tourism Hugh Robertson said: 鈥淏ritain鈥檚 world class retail sector is a big attraction to overseas visitors whose spend in our shops makes a significant contribution to our economy. We will continue to promote what is great about Britain in key international markets to help grow tourism further, on the back of a fantastic 2012.鈥�
Sandie Dawe, Chief Executive at VisitBritain said: 鈥淥ur shopping experience is world class, with high quality, desirable British brands enticing international visitors at all times of the year and providing real value for money against our competitors.鈥�