The rise in the number of visits represents an increase of 5.9 per cent measured against the same period in 2014. The capital has seen a 22.5 per cent increase in the number of international trips to the city from 2009-14.
The increase in visits to London is also reflected in figures showing the number of tourists to the UK. Between July and September last year the UK welcomed 10.5 million international visits, an increase of 4.7 per cent year-on-year.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson MP said: “London is the best big city on the planet! We really know how to roll out the red carpet and put on a show for the millions of visitors who flock here year after year. With an exciting programme of events planned this year, as well as our unbeatable cultural and other attractions, we are looking forward to welcoming even more tourists in the months ahead.”
The tourism industry is a major contributor to the London economy. Overall the sector contributes more than £36 billion to the capital and supports around 700,000 thousand jobs.
2016 is set to be another world-class year for the city, with a rich cultural calendar and numerous major festivities taking place across the capital. Highlights include the 40th anniversary of Punk, the Rolling Stones’ EXHIBITIONISM exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, a year-long programme celebrating the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, and a wealth of city-wide celebrations for HRH Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday. More information can be found at www.visitlondon.com
