Overseas Visitors To U.K. On The Rise

LONDON— The number of international travelers visiting the United Kingdom continues to rise, according to the latest figures from the U.K.’s Office for National Statistics. Figures from the International Passenger Survey show that the number of visitors coming into the U.K. increased to 7.2 million in the three months to the end of July, a rise of 6% compared with the same period in 2001. Despite that increase, the number of overseas visitors to the U.K. in the 12 months to the end of July fell by 5% to 23.1 million, compared with 24.3 million for the same period a year earlier. Spending by overseas visitors to the U.K. increased by 5% to £3.5 billion (US$5.5 billion) in the three months to July, but was down by 9% to £11 billion (US$17.1 billion) in the 12-month period. The International Passenger Survey measures the number of overseas residents visiting the UK, including those just on day trips. Its findings contrast with those of a recent survey released by the British Incoming Tour Operators Association (BITOA). The BITOA survey showed overseas visitors during July down by 4.68% compared with July 2001. BITOAs figures only include visitors who stay overnight in commercial accommodations. SOURCE: caterer.com