More foreign tourists visited Britain this August compared to the same month last year confounding fears of a downturn after the London terrorist attacks, official data reveals.
Some 3.25 million overseas holidaymakers came to the UK, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) said, 2.8% more than in August 2004.
Many analysts had predicted that overseas visits would decline as a result of the terror bombings but the ONS research suggests tourists are not being deterred from holidaying in the UK.
Visits were also up 10% in the 12 months to August, while the year-on-year figure for July, the month of the London explosions, rose by 7%.
Although the data brings welcome news to the tourism industry, separate research from Visit London showed visitor numbers at the city’s tourist attractions dipped by 24.5% year-on-year in August.
Many, however, appear to be on the road to recovery now, the report said, with visitor numbers picking up in September to record a 10% year-on-year decline.
A major campaign to lure foreign and domestic holidaymakers alike to the Capital was launched shortly after the terror attacks.
The 'London in September' campaign encouraged an estimated 2.5 million people to enjoy a range of festivals and events, while VisitBritain, the nationwide tourism authority, is currently leading a promotion aimed at US visitors.
As part of the promotion, Good Morning America - one of America's most popular breakfast television shows - yesterday broadcast live from inside Windsor Castle, the first time such access to a royal palace has been granted to a live broadcaster.
As the camera panned along the Long Walk - the road leading to the castle - the programme opened with the words: "The Long Walk up to Windsor Castle, travelled for centuries by kings, queens, heads of state and now you, in a one-of-a-kind broadcast."
This morning, Good Morning America broadcast from Buckingham Palace and Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
