Preliminary estimates indicate that 15.3m overseas visits were made to London in 2007, down -1.3% on 2006.　Spending by overseas visitors in London is estimated to have grown by +5.3%, to a record £8.2bn in 2007. Since 2000, overseas visits to London have expanded by an average rate of +2.4% per annum

　　The US is London’s largest single international market, with visits equalling 2.37m in 2007, spending just under £1.6bn. Western Europe countries are London’s other main markets. France is the second largest, followed by Germany and Spain. Eastern Europe countries, particularly those that joined the EU post 2005, have been London’s fastest growing markets in recent years. Saudi Arabians are the heaviest spenders per head at £1,619 per London trip. Belgians are the lowest, spending less than £300.

　　London is regarded as the world’s most popular city destination for international tourists.　

Source: ONS, International Passenger Survey, 2007 preliminary figures 　

Source: European Cities Tourism, City Tourist Offices, data is not strictly comparable as cities measure arrivals differently *excludes visits from mainland China **2006 figures