Record visitors for London

London continues to grow as a destination for foreign visitors with a record 15.2 million overseas tourists coming to the capital in 2006, up 9.4% on 2005. They spent around £7.5billion and the strength of the pound seemed to have little effect on tourists spending habits.

9.6 million of the visitors came from Europe and 2.4 million from the US, a rise of 5.2% on the previous year. Spending by US visitors was also the highest it had been since 2000.

The figures come from the International Passenger Survey and the trend should continue this year, events like the 2005 Tube bombings don’t seem to have put people off. With continued regeneration in London, new attractions opening and events like the Tour de France starting in London this summer, there are a lot of reasons to come and plenty of things to see and do. Its not just a summer rush either, even a month ago there were lots and lots of tourists around the central London area.

If you’re planning on coming to London don’t forget BootsnAll has the lowdown on cheap flights and affordable hostels in London.