2011 to benefit from inbound visitor growth

The tourism industry should see an increase by over 300,000 visitors in the number of visitors to the country in 2011, according to VisitBritain.

About 30 million inbound travellers should come to the UK in 2011, which would be a rise of 1% compared with 2010. Spend should also enjoy growth, with travellers forecast to spend about £17.2bn, 2% more than in 2010, although this is still below the £18.4bn spent in 2006 (at 2010 prices).

The challenges for the year include the still relatively slow recovering in Europe and North America, which make up 85% of Britain’s inbound visitors. However, with the improving economic conditions and events such as the Royal Wedding, the tourism industry should receive a boost, which should result in higher numbers of visitors to the country.