China topped the list of non-EU visitor source markets for the UK again in 2014 while the crash of the ruble took Russia from among the top five to rank outside the top 10, according to a BBC report.
Total expenditure by international visitors in the UK was GBP21.3 billion in 2014, compared to GBP21 billion in 2013, and Chinese nationals accounted for a fourth of the expenditure, according to the world’s largest duty-free group Global Blue.
Chinese visitors’ spending in the UK increased 20% in the month of December alone, thanks to high-quality service and duty-free policies, Global Blue reported.
Meanwhile, People’s Daily Online reported that the number of Chinese visitors to the UK had risen 79.1% to 196,000 per year in the five years from 2010 to 2014.
Britain’s tourism minister said the tourism industry had been growing at a faster pace than other sectors since the onset of a recession. The major draw cards include London’s landmarks, Premier League football and Bicester Village outlet shopping centre and hit BBC shows like Downton Abbey and Sherlock Holmes has fueled international interest in British culture.
Global Blue UK manager Gordon Clark said Christmas was an increasingly popular travel time for non-EU visitors who were drawn to the sales and duty-free shopping in festive atmosphere and decorations. “Although the rising pound has somewhat inhibited tourist spending, eased visa rules will help keep the big spenders coming for visits,” he added.(Translation by David)
