London Receives More Visitors Than Ever Before

London received more visitors than ever before in 2014 as new figures were released by the Office for National Statistics International Passenger Survey.

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The city's cultural attractions and world class sporting events drew 17.4 million visits last year, a 3.5 per cent increase over 2013's 16.8 million visits.

The 2012 Olympic Games triggered a surge in visitors and businesses have welcomed international visitors who are spending more in the city's restaurants and accommodations than ever before.

Last year, visitors boosted London's economy by £11.8 billion, a £0.3 billion increase, or three per cent, over 2013.

The city was one of the world's biggest tourist attractions, offering a comprehensive and diverse mix of blockbuster exhibitions and events, including Sherlock Holmes at the Museum of London, Ming: 50 years that Changed China at the British Museum, Henri Matisse: The Cut Outs at the Tate Modern, Anselm Kiefer at the Royal Academy, the Frieze Art Fair, Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the Tour de France Grand Départ and the Chelsea Flower Show, encouraging people to visit from all over the world.

Boris Johnson, London's mayor, said: "These amazing new numbers confirm that tourists are spending record amounts in our incredible city.

"Our established position as the number one destination in the world is welcomed and with amazing coming attractions such as the Rugby World Cup, we look ahead to greeting many thousands more visitors to London."

The tourism surge also reflects across the whole Britain as visitor numbers are up 5.2 per cent from 2013, now totaling 34.4 million.