Visitor numbers were 7.7% higher than for the same period last year, suggesting the capital is enjoying a post-Olympic boost.
The increase also pushed spending by tourists up 12.4% to £4.9 billion for the same period.
33 attractions surveyed monthly by London & Partners, including the British Museum, London Eye and the Tower of London, enjoyed higher visitor numbers for the first six months of the year.
The capital’s strong performance has been welcomed by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson who said: “Last summer the palpable buzz of this great city was beamed across the globe. Since then London’s draw has gone from strength to strength with billions of pounds of international investment and huge regeneration projects continuing apace.
“These fantastic tourism figures not only support new jobs and growth in London’s economy but are yet another testament to the Olympic legacy.”
London & Partners CEO, Gordon Innes said: “We have been working hard with the GLA and our partners to capitalise on the Olympic legacy and grow visitor numbers this year and into the future.
“If this trend continues we are set to have a bumper 2013 with more international visitors coming to the capital than during the landmark Olympic year which attracted 15.5 million international visitors. built heritage.”
Last month the Mayor signed a deal with New York counterpart Michael Bloomberg which will see London promoted across New York to “culture hungry” travellers.
