UK tourist market recovers following slump after July 2005 bombings

The UK tourist attraction market recovered strongly last year following the slump in the second half of 2005 caused by the London terror bombings, research reveals.

Numbers fell dramatically following the 7 July suicide attacks, but new figures from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) show tourists returned last year.

Visitors to the Tate Modern were up 21% on 2005's figures, with the British Museum, the National Gallery, the National History Museum and the Science Museum also proving popular.

The hot weather discouraging Brits from heading abroad and the “World Cup effect” have been cited as possible reasons for the boost.

Robin Broke, director of ALVA, said: "Despite security alerts and dense fog producing severe airport delays during the summer and December respectively, and the weak US dollar affecting the travel plans of many North American visitors, the industry is vibrant and continues to be a significant contributor to the British economy."

But Broke said the Government still needs to commit extra funds to market the tourism industry.

"Support for Britain's attractions industry is still required if this country is to compete globally, not least enhanced funding being urgently needed for VisitBritain to market the industry both internally and abroad,” he said.

Irish tourism spend prompts English rethink >>

Number of tourism degree students rises by 30% >> 

Politicians targeted to help raise the voice of the industry >>

New VisitBritain role shows signs of neglect >>

View more tourism and leisure trends here >>

By Daniel Thomas

E-mail your comments to Daniel Thomas here.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.