London welcomed a record 17.4 million international visitors last year, according to the Office for National Statistics International Passenger Survey. That figure represents a 3.5 percent rise on the previous high of 16.8 million visits recorded in 2013.
The capital remained one of the world’s top tourist destinations thanks to its rich cultural offer, major sporting events and a calendar of high-profile exhibitions. Highlights included “Henri Matisse: The Cut Outs” at Tate Modern, “Ming: 50 Years That Changed China” at the British Museum, an Anselm Kiefer exhibition at the Royal Academy, the “Sherlock Holmes” exhibition at the Museum of London, the Frieze Art Fair, the Tour de France Grand Départ, Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show.
Mayor Boris Johnson said the figures underline London’s global appeal: “These terrific new figures confirm that record numbers of tourists are spending record amounts of dosh in our amazing city. Our status as the No. 1 destination in the world is surely beyond any doubt, and with incredible attractions like the Rugby World Cup heading our way we look forward to welcoming many thousands more visitors to London.”
Domestic and international visitors also flocked to the city’s most popular attractions. According to the Attractions Monitor visitor survey compiled by London & Partners, a record 58 million people from the UK and overseas visited London’s 40 most-visited sites last year, a 4 percent increase on 2013. Notable growth came in military-themed exhibitions, which saw attendance rise 22 percent to 3.6 million. The Tower of London’s installation “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” proved the single most visited attraction, drawing more than 5 million people.
London’s cultural and sporting calendar continues to deliver compelling reasons to visit. Upcoming exhibitions include “Goya: The Portraits” at the National Gallery, “No Colour Bar” at the Guildhall Art Gallery, “The World Goes Pop” at Tate Modern and “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” at the V&A. The city is also set to host major sporting fixtures such as Formula E, the NFL International Series and key matches in the Rugby World Cup, ensuring that tourism momentum remains strong.
With its combination of world-class museums, temporary blockbuster shows and a steady stream of international sporting events, London remains a leading destination for visitors seeking cultural depth, entertainment and memorable experiences.