Record numbers of overseas tourists visited Britain in July, the Government announced today.
According to official figures, 2.87 million foreigners arrived during the month, an 11% increase on July 2003.
But although visitor numbers are up, tourists are not parting with their cash as readily.
During the period they spent £1.385m, up by only 4% on the previous year.
Despite the slowdown in spending, the Government is bullish about the overall picture.
A spokesman said: “Visitor levels between January and July are up 6% on the same period in 2000.
"After September 11 and foot-and-mouth, the figures are proof that the recovery is now well on the way.”
North American visitor levels in July were up by 14% but even this was not enough to boost spending.
The spokesman said: “The weak dollar and the fact that visitors aren’t staying as long means that spend hasn’t risen accordingly.”
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