The latest figures from VisitBritain, the national tourist agency, show strong growth in overseas visits and spend to the UK in the first six months of 2017.

There were a record 19.2 million visits to the UK in the first half of 2017, up 9% compared to the start of 2016. Inbound visitors spent £10.8 billion between January and June 2017, up 14% on the same time last year, a new record and the first time inbound visitor spending has topped £10 billion in the first half of any year.

This strong growth was driven by visits from inbound markets including the USA and China. Visits from the US were up 31% in the first six months of the year to 1.9 million, with spend at a record £1.8 billion, up 28% on the same period last year. Visits from China for the first six months of 2017 were up 47% on the same time last year to a record 115,000, and spend was also at record levels at £231 million, up 54% compared to the first six months of 2016.

The regions that saw the highest levels of growth in international visits between January and June 2017 were the North West of England, with 1.5 million visits, up 14% on the same period last year, and the West Midlands of England, with 1.1 million visits, also up 14% on the same period last year. International visits to Scotland in the first half of the year were up 14% to a record 1.3 million, with spend setting another record of £956 million, up 35% on the same time last year.

UK Tourism Minister John Glen said: "Tourism makes a huge economic contribution to the UK and it is great news that towns and cities across the country are benefiting from this boom, with fantastic growth in the West Midlands, North West and Scotland in particular. Promoting the UK to the world is a priority and the increase in visits from American and Chinese tourists shows that Britain remains a must-visit destination."

VisitBritain Director Patricia Yates said: “It is encouraging to see such growth to our nations and regions, Britain has so much to offer, from our cool and modern cities to our stunning coastal towns and our charming rural villages, more and more overseas visitors are inspired to come here for a truly unique experience.”

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel and Tourism, added: “It is great to hear that visits to Britain continue to grow at a strong rate and that visitor spend continues to rise. We are especially pleased to see the significant increase in visits from the USA – this is one of our key markets and we have recently returned from a major trade show in Los Angeles where we have been working hard to promote the UK to many more American travellers.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of the UK, please do contact us today.