A record 12.5 million visitors travelled to the UK in the first half of 2004, boosting small firms that rely heavily on the tourism industry.
Figures released by VisitBritain found that that the highest number of tourists ever for the period of January to June visited the UK this year.
The 12.5 million tourists represent a 13 per cent rise on the same period last year, and will be warmly welcomed by small hotels, gift shops and other businesses that rely on customers from overseas.
The increase was down to a 29 per cent rise in tourists from long haul destinations and an 20 per cent jump in visitors from North America.
The research suggests that following a difficult last couple of years, the UK tourism industry is beginning to pull in visitors again.
The terrorist attacks in American and the foot and mouth outbreak were responsible for a disastrous 2001 for tourism firms, while the Iraq war and fear of terrorism have also deterred potential visitors.
Kenny Boyle, of VisitBritain, said: “Anecdotal evidence from our partners in the industry suggests that much of the increased growth in this month’s figures is coming from new and emerging markets – such as China and Russia – rather than from the traditionally high-spending North Americans.”
