The capital’s tourism body Visit London says despite a 5% fall in numbers compared with the same period last year, the figures can be “viewed as relatively favourable” because of the closure of UK airspace in April due to volcanic ash.
Spending by visitors grew by 7.4% to almost £2.3m, in part due to additional spending by visitors stranded in the capital.
Commenting on the recent figures, Sally Chatterjee, CEO, Visit London said: “Despite the unprecedented travel disruptions in April, London’s tourism remains buoyant.
“It is particularly rewarding to see that business travel is continuing to grow in the first half of this year following the economic worries seen in 2009. With so many challenges on the tourism industry, it is as important as ever that we continue to proactively promote the capital to both leisure and business visitors.”
