A RECORD number of international tourists visited the UK in the first nine months of 2016, new figures show.
Some 28.1 million inbound trips were made between January and September, up two per cent on the previous year.
The Office for National Statistics’ data shows there was strong growth from the US, with visits up three per cent to 2.7 million, while the number of Canadians coming to the UK increased by 12 per cent to 643,000.
The number of inbound tourists to English regions outside London rose by four per cent to 12.2 million, with Wales up by 12 per cent to 856,000.
Scotland saw an increase of four per cent to 2.2 million.
VisitBritain chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “Inbound tourism is one of our largest export industries and it is very encouraging to see that growth is being spread right across our nations and regions, demonstrating the industry’s increasing importance as a driver of economic growth and jobs.”
Tourism Minister Tracey Crouch said: “This country has so much to offer tourists from both home and abroad and we want to make it even easier for visitors to experience our world-class sights and attractions.”
“Our tourism action plan and £40 million discover England fund is helping to grow tourism to ensure that the benefits of this important industry are felt right across the country.”
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