Following the success of the Olympic Games last summer, London has become a major international tourism hotspot. In fact, the number of visitors flocking to the capital city has now reached record levels, with the resulting lift in consumer spending massively benefiting both businesses and the economy overall.
During the first half of the year eight million tourists visited London, an 8 per cent increase on figures for the same period in 2012. This is something of an achievement given that figures were expected to be affected by the influx of athletes and spectators flooding in for the Olympics at the end of the first half last year.
In turn, this had a positive effect on spending, which increased by 12 per cent to £4.9 billion.
London Mayor Boris Johnson attributed this boom in London’s popularity to the success of the Games, which he claims have left a “legacy” international visitors wish to experience in person. This is rather unusual, in honesty, as many host cities see tourism rates dropping for several consecutive years after their moment in the sun.
Mayor Johnson says; “Last summer the palpable buzz of this great city was beamed across the globe.
“Since then London’s draw has gone from strength to strength with billions of pounds of international investment and huge regeneration projects continuing apace.
“These fantastic tourism figures not only support new jobs and growth in London’s economy but are yet another testament to the Olympic legacy.”
Should this trend continue at the same pace for the second half of 2013, London will become the world’s most popular international tourism destination and break the 16 million visitor barrier for the first time. Bangkok is currently top, with 15.98 million annual visitors, and Paris follows closely behind with an average of 14 million.
As expected, the majority of London’s 7.92 million first half visitors came from mainland Europe, with 5.923 million crossing the English Channel to visit attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and the National Gallery. However, tourists from emerging markets such as India, China and the Middle East continue to grow year on year, with many wishing to take advantage of London’s vast range of high end fashion and luxury goods stores.
Yet while the Olympics have certainly played a huge role in encouraging tourists to visit London, other attractions have added to the enthusiasm generated during the summer of sport. In addition, a multitude of regeneration and development projects taking place across London are cementing its status as one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world.
With winter fast approaching, and business owners gearing up for Christmas trade, it appears that the sun continues to shine over London. Should the festive season prove to be a draw for tourists, the benefits for the London economy could be enormous.
Do you think the Olympics truly played as big a part in attracting tourists as officials claim, or is the favourable economic situation when compared to other countries in Europe more of a draw?
