VisitEngland Shows Strong Q1 Tourism Performance for UK

 Great Britain Tourism Survey's figures reveal strong performance in domestic tourism in the first quarter of 2015.

In total, 19.7 million trips were recorded in England between January and March this year, which represents the highest registered Q1 tally in the last seven years.

An increase in expenditure has been also observed, the numbers growing by 24 per cent to £3.5 billion compared to the same time last year.

These stats are a considerable improvement over last year, which saw a plunge due to extreme weather conditions and flooding in the first three months of 2014.

VisitEngland's latest Tourism Business Monitor comes in support of the figures from GBTS.

Close to one half of accommodation providers and 56 per cent of tourist attractions have registered an increase in visitor numbers in the first four months.

Additionally, more than nine in ten of the businesses surveyed are expecting a positive outcome over the summer holidays, especially when considering the high numbers of advanced bookings.

The first few months of the year registered above average weather and several high-profile anniversaries, including the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.

A new consumer campaign, #HomeofSport, was created to find the country's most sought after sports destinations.

"These results are very promising as we get closer to the summer holiday season," said James Berresford, VisitEngland chief executive.

"The confidence displayed by the tourism industry shows the fantastic spirit of businesses that recovered after severe weather conditions impacted destinations at the beginning of last year.

"We know England's product attracts attention and generates high levels of satisfaction for visitors and we will carry on working with the industry to establish our position, remain globally competitive and attract domestic and international visitors to our world-class destination.

"We strongly believe that the fantastic number of sporting, cultural and foodie events taking place in England this summer will continue enhancing the results for this year and will hopefully become a reference for English tourism."