The UK has recorded its biggest-ever month for tourist visits after the referendum-related slump in the pound lured 3.8 million people to British shores in July.
In the highest month ever for inbound tourism, overseas visitors spent £2.5bn – 4% more than last year, according to new figures from the tourism agency VisitBritain.
The sudden currency depreciation triggered by the result of the June referendum vote has left sterling hovering at its lowest level against the dollar for more than 30 years. This has turned the UK into a relatively cheaper destination for millions of foreign travellers wanting to shop for luxury goods or visit attractions such as the Lake District or Buckingham Palace.
Announcing the figures at the the launch of the agency’s 2015-16 annual review, VisitBritain said the July boost was continuing a long-term pattern of growth which in 2015 saw a record 36.1m inbound visits to Britain and triggered total spending of £22.1bn. July was also a record month for inbound visits from EU countries – the UK’s largest source of visitors – with 2.3m visits, 3% up on last year as European tourists took advantage of the pound’s decline against the euro in the wake of the referendum. The pound is trading at its lowest against the euro for nearly seven years.
LOTS AND LOTS OF JOBS
..And we don't need other EU countries we can do it on our own if you try to be funny in trade
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Brexit not end of the world' Ex-Bank of England Governor Mervyn King WELCOMES pound drop
THE former Bank of England Governor has said Brexit is "not the end of the world" as he welcomed a drop in Sterling
Lord King said he welcomed the fall in the pound, which dropped by a dramatic six per cent on Friday to US$1.18 in early Asian trading.
He said fears over the fluctuating pound, which fell to its lowest level in 31-years, were exaggerated.
Lord King, who was head of the Bank of England three years ago, told Sky News in New York: "The economy was slowing somewhat before the vote and we are in a position where the rest of the world is not offering us much help.
"So from that point of view the fall in sterling is a welcome change."
He added: "The whole thing has generated reactions which are over the top.
"During the referendum campaign, someone said the real danger of Brexit is you'll end up with higher interest rates, lower house prices and a lower exchange rate, and I thought: dream on.
"Because that's what we've been trying to achieve for the past three years and now we have a chance of getting it.
"I don't think we should fear Brexit.
"It's not a bed of roses, but nor is it the end of the world..
But the rest of the EU will be SKINT..DON't mess with US BRITISH
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So be nice to us in trade or you will pay a bigger price than we will
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