The London Visitor Index released indicates a record year…
The London Visitor Index released indicates a record year for tourism in London in 2004.
The London Visitor Index is a monthly composite index of leading visitor surveys. Compiled by Visit London, the official visitor organisation for London, the index gives a quick indication of current trading conditions.
The index suggests that the upturn in long haul visitors was most likely influenced by a diminishing fear of terrorism and a stronger general economic growth. A strong euro and continuing competition by budget airlines helped maintain a healthy flow of Western European visitors for short haul travel.
The attractions sector too benefited from London’s popularity in 2004, visitor numbers to free museums across the capital increased by around 10%, while over 100,000 visits were made to London’s main tourist information offices, up 15% on 2003.
Good news too for other sectors of the industry, face-to-face meetings are again taking precedence over conference calls leading to a rise in business visitor numbers. This can be attributed to increase business activity underpinned by rising equity prices and confidence across the City saw. Hoteliers too are benefiting, according to surveys from both PFK and Deloitte, London hotels managed to significantly increase hotel occupancy levels and rooms rates during 2004.
Retail activity is less simplistic reflecting cost conscious domestic consumers and the weak US dollar.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
