A record number of international visitors traveled to London in 2014, according to new statistics from the Office for National Statistics International Passenger Survey (IPS).
The 17.4 million international visitors to the city last year was a 3.5 percent increase from the previous record of 16.8 million visits, which was set in 2013.
“These terrific new figures confirm that record numbers of tourists are spending record amounts of dosh in our amazing city,” Mayor of London Boris Johnson said in a statement. “Our status as the number one destination in the world is surely beyond any doubt, and with incredible attractions like the Rugby World Cup heading our way we look forward to welcoming many thousands more visitors to London.”
Visitors to London in 2014 had an economic impact of £11.8 billion ($18.4). That’s up 3 percent from the £11.5 billion ($18 billion) impact in 2013.
“London continues to attract record numbers of international visitors, injecting billions into the capital’s economy each year,” Gordon Innes, chief executive of London & Partners, which runs www.VisitLondon.com, said in a statement. “Royal occasions, like the arrival of Princess Charlotte, combined with London’s heritage, attractions and world-leading cultural offer, is expected to attract many more millions from the UK and abroad, continuing the growth of international visitor numbers in 2015.”