The Office for National Statistics International Passenger Survey reported that London welcomed 17.4m international visitors in what was yet another record-breaking year for tourism in 2014.

These ‘latest new figures’ show a 3.5% increase on the previous all-time record of 16.8m visits in 2013 and a ‘surge in visitors’ since the 2012 Olympic Games which has been strongly welcomed by businesses.

This uplift in visitor numbers to London has also been reflected across Britain which welcomed nearly 34.4m visitors to all destinations last year – a 5.2% increase compared to 2013 – with international tourists spending a total of £21.8bn ($33.9bn), up 2.8% compared to the previous year.

In London alone it is estimated that these visitors spent more in the city’s shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions than ever before, boosting the capital city’s economy by £11.8bn ($18.3bn) compared to £11.5bn ($17.8bn) in 2013 (+3%).

London’s River Thames at night.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “These terrific new figures confirm that record numbers of tourists are spending record amounts of dosh in our amazing city.

“Our status as the number one destination in the world is surely beyond any doubt, and with incredible attractions like the Rugby World Cup heading our way we look forward to welcoming many thousands more visitors to London.”