Visitor numbers on the rise, says Government

Record numbers of overseas tourists visited Britain in July, the Government announced today.

According to official figures, 2.87 million foreigners arrived during the month, an 11% increase on July 2003.

But although visitor numbers are up, tourists are not parting with their cash as readily.

During the period they spent £1.385m, up by only 4% on the previous year.

Despite the slowdown in spending, the Government is bullish about the overall picture.

A spokesman said: "Visitor levels between January and July are up 6% on the same period in 2000.

"After September 11 and foot-and-mouth, the figures are proof that the recovery is now well on the way."

North American visitor levels in July were up by 14% but even this was not enough to boost spending.

The spokesman said: "The weak dollar and the fact that visitors aren't staying as long means that spend hasn't risen accordingly."

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