More overseas visitors came to the UK during August and they spent more money.

When compared with August 2003 their numbers rose by 12% to 3.09 million. Spending was up by 5% to £1.58b.

The increase was made up of a 3% increase in visitors from North America to 460,000, a 15% increase from western Europe to 1.97 million, and a 7% increase from the rest of the world to 650,000.

The trend echoed that of the year to date.

Visitors for 2004 are up by 13% to nearly 18.5 million, while spending has risen by 9% to £8.44b.

Visitors from North America so far are up by 14%, those from western Europe up by 12% and from the rest of the world by 15%.

Tom Wright, chief executive of VisitBritain, the national tourist board, commented: "Visitors to Britain are now exceeding levels seen prior to 11 September in terms of the number of visits, and this month for the first time expenditure is also at a record high."

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