In 2013, London was decidedly the world’s number one destination. Last year (2014), London maintained its position, but with a difference of about a million more visitors. According to The Office for National Statistics International Passenger Survey, there were about 17.5 million London visitors that flocked to this city during the said year.
This enviable position of London is the substance of Paul Baldwin’s post entitled London’s status as world’s No1 tourist destination ‘beyond any doubt’ for Express.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “These terrific new figures confirm that record numbers of tourists are spending record amounts of dosh in our amazing city.
“Our status as the number one destination in the world is surely beyond any doubt, and with incredible attractions like the Rugby World Cup heading our way we look forward to welcoming many thousands more visitors to London.”
Baldwin pointed out some amazing events and figures that are all testimonial to what the world already knows: London is the NO.1 city destination of the world.
- The surge of tourists since the 2012 Olympics has boosted London’s economy. The boost to the local economy was to the tune of £11.5 billion in 2013 and £11.8 billion in 2014. Gordon Innes, Chief Executive of London & Partners, which runs www.VisitLondon.com, added: “London continues to attract record numbers of international visitors, injecting billions into the capital’s economy each year.
- Part of the city’s attractions that are luring tourists are “a diverse and eclectic mix of blockbuster exhibitions and events, including Henri Matisse: The Cut Outs at the Tate Modern, Ming: 50 years that Changed China at the British Museum, Anselm Kiefer at the Royal Academy, Sherlock Holmes at the Museum of London, the Frieze Art Fair, the Tour de France Grand Départ, Wimbledon Tennis Championships and the Chelsea Flower Show, encouraging people to visit from all over the world.
- The surge in the number of visitors rippled and uplifted Britain’s number of tourists in 2014, totaling almost 34.4 million, reflecting a 5.2% growth compared to the previous year.
- London’s top 40 tourist attractions gained 58 million visitors from UK and other international tourists. Among the most visited landmarks are military exhibitions – Tower of London’s Blood Swept Lands, Seas of Red and HMS Belfast – with the 100th Anniversary of World War I closing in
Gordon Innes thinks that this trend will continue in 2015 with the combination of London’s cultural heritage, world-renowned attractions and some important events in the offing, such as the coming of Princess Charlotte.
Linton Wadsworth, of the famous luxurious Radisson Blu Edwardian hotels (London part of Edwardian Group London), believes that “London is a booming world city with a tourism offer that is diversifying and improving year-on-year. We are committed to helping drive forward the city’s tourism economy, through ongoing investment and continuous innovation across our properties.”
The immense growth in the number of international tourists flocking to London is the major reason accounting for the continuing growth of income across London’s cultural landmarks. More activities and efforts are being directed to sustain this growth. One such effort is the launching of the 2nd annual international campaign by the VisitLondn.com and Great Britain Campaign. The goal is “to promote the impressive breadth of cultural activities happening across the capital. It will include blockbuster exhibitions, performances, and festivals, during the upcoming Autumn Season.”
If you are eyeing to visit London this 2015, autumn would be a good season as the world’s Number 1 city celebrates “the incredible season of culture coming to the capital, taking in the world-class events that strengthen the city’s reputation as a global cultural powerhouse.”
