London tourist numbers bounce back after Covid

Tourists are drawn to history, world-famous landmarks and the royal family

The number of overseas tourists in London this year has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, led by a surge in North American visitors.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows there were 5.3 million foreign visitors to the capital in the three months to June, about 60,000 fewer than the same 2019 period.

Tourist spending reached a record £4.3bn for this quarter.

The majority of visitors are in the capital for holidays rather than work.

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The number of North Americans visiting London has exceeded the 2019 influx. One US travel agent said Americans were attracted to the UK capital for reasons including the royal family and world-famous landmarks.

There was also a spike relating to former prime minister Liz Truss and former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's budget - as the pound plummeted, people living abroad hastened to redeem cancellation vouchers issued during the Covid pandemic, some financial sites suggested.

Figures are from the International Passenger Survey (IPS), a continuous survey carried out by the ONS. It covers all major air, sea and tunnel ports, providing detailed information on the numbers and types of visits made by people travelling to and from the UK.

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