A record 3.9m overseas visitors to the UK (+5%) set a new spend record of $3.7bn (£2.8bn) in the key holiday month of August (+3%), while visitor numbers rose +8% to 27.1m between January and August, establishing yet another record up +10% to $21.6bn (£16.4bn).

 

The figures compiled by the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) also revealed strong +6% growth in August visits by nationals from EU countries – the UK’s largest visitor-generating region.

 

CHINESE SPEND +47% TO $305M IN HY1

Significantly, in the ‘latest market specific figures’ by nationality, the first six calendar months of 2017 saw UK arrivals from China – still the world’s most valuable high-spending outbound market – rise by +47% to 115,000 inbound visits.

 

These visitors spent a new record $305m (£231m) during this period – up 54% according to the ONS.

 

VisitBritain is now forecasting inbound visits to the UK will reach 39.7m by the end of this year, with overseas arrivals expected to spend $33.9bn (£25.7bn). This compares with the ‘overall annual value of tourism to the UK economy’, which is currently estimated at £127bn ($167.8bn).

 

UK TOURISM RANKED THIRD GLOBALLY…

The results also coincide with VisitBritain’s annual promotional travel trade mission to China this week (Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 November) comprising more than 60 travel trade and industry suppliers.

 

These represent companies and organisations from all over the UK, including retailers, hoteliers, visitor attraction companies, tour operators and UK destination partners, who will be vying for the attention of some 75 buyers from 13 cities across China, as they promote their services and destinations.

 

The statistics also follow the recent publication of the 2017 Anholt-GfK Nation Brands Index (NBI) which saw the UK ranked third overall for tourism globally, equalling its highest ranking ever and up two places from last year.

 

The ranking considered attributes including historic buildings and monuments, having a vibrant city life and natural beauty. When considering its overall brand, the UK maintained a rank of third out of 50 nations in this year’s NBI, a position it has held since 2011.

 

DECLINE IN UK STERLING VALUE

Commenting on the very healthy numbers, UK Tourism Minister John Glen said: “Tourism is an economic force that creates jobs and drives growth up and down the country. These record-breaking figures for August reaffirm the UK’s position as a global go-to destination and show the continued strength of the sector.”

 

Adding her comments, VisitBritain Director Patricia Yates said: “Tourism is one of Britain’s most valuable export industries and it is encouraging that this strong growth has continued during the summer.

 

“With Britain continuing to offer good value and with great deals in market, we are confident of a strong festive season and beyond as we showcase why our nations and regions should top people’s list as the must-go-now destination.”

 

Ed’s note: It should be said there that the UK’s decision to leave the European Union and the resulting and significant sustained decline in the value of the pound sterling is undoubtedly a key reason for the ongoing dynamic visitor arrivals growth to the UK. In terms of growth, the UK has also outperformed most other international destinations for Chinese arrivals.