A record 31.5 million people visited London in 2015, a roughly 4.7 percent increase from a year ago, according to London & Partners, the official promotional company for London. It marked the first time the number of visitors to London eclipsed the 30 million mark.
“It is fantastic that more people than ever before are opting to visit London, to sample the best of our capital and the best of Britain. London has something for everyone and an appeal that clearly extends across the globe,” Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a news release. “I’ve pledged to do all I can to support our vital tourism industry so London continues to be a top choice for travellers.”
London has set visitor records every year since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The tourism industry contributes more than £36 billion to London every year and supports an estimated 700,000 jobs, officials said.
“London, the world’s favourite city, continues to draw visitors from around the world thanks to our globally-known and loved attractions,” Bernard Donoghue, Director of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, said in a news release. “Our palaces, cathedrals, museums, galleries, heritage sites, zoos and gardens are some of the principal reasons why record numbers of visitors come to London. From Harry Potter to Beatrix Potter, Shakespeare to shopping, the diversity and excellence of our tourism experiences are world class.”
