The past 12 months have seen an “unprecedented” turnaround in the number of overseas visitors coming to the UK, according to the latest monthly statistics from the British Incoming Tour Operators Association (Bitoa).
The number of overseas visitors rose by 3.8% in August, meaning that there has been an increase in year-on-year numbers every month for a year.
The last fall – of 3.5% - was recorded in August 2003, said Bitoa chief executive Stephen Dowd.
Forward bookings are looking similarly healthy, recording a 3.3% rise in August.
But the optimism was tempered by the fact that spending levels continue to grow much more slowly, with the weakness of the dollar dampening the spending of many visitors.
This month Bitoa polled its members on their views on whether it was a good idea to introduce a “bed tax” to improve local government revenue.
“All tour operators and hotel groups were united in their condemnation of the proposal, estimating this could lose us up to 10% of overseas visitors,” said Dowd.
by Nic Paton
Buy this week's Caterer magazine for more industry news and analysis