Janet Redler Travel & Tourism has welcomed the latest figures which show strong growth in visits to Britain from countries including the USA and Germany in the first quarter of 2016, underpinning the best ever first quarter for total inbound visits.

The Office for National Statistics results reveal that from January to March this year visits from the US, the UK’s most valuable visitor market, grew by 9% to 542,000 compared to the same period last year. Strong growth was also seen from EU countries with 5.4 million visits, a 10% increase on the first quarter of last year, and spend up by 7% to £1.8 billion.

Germany and Spain showed double-digit growth in visits and spend in the first quarter. Visits from Germany grew 24% to 602,000 with spend up 26% to £222 million. A new record was set for the number of inbound visits from Spain which grew by 12% to 548,000, with spend also up 15% to £195 million.

Visits from the United Arab Emirates were up 15% to 77,000, while visits from China, the world’s largest outbound market, were on par with last year’s record first quarter, putting the market on track for another good year. Visits from Australia grew by 10% to 157,000 with spending increasing by 30% to £173 million.

VisitBritain Director Patricia Yates said: “It’s really encouraging to see strong growth in visits from some of our most important markets and we now have the opportunity to build on this as Britain is offering great value for inbound visitors.

“We are anticipating a strong summer holiday season as we spread this message of value and continue our global #OMGB ‘Home of Amazing Moments’ marketing campaign to inspire visitors with the amazing experiences they can only find in Britain and work with partners to offer great tactical deals to drive bookings. It’s a great summer to come to Britain.”

“It is very good news that visits to Britain from many of our major markets continue to increase,” added Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism. “The United States is our number one market and we are experiencing a good deal of interest in our tours this year, especially as the pound is weak against the dollar, making travel to Britain more affordable than ever. We are also seeing more visitors from mainland Europe, who recognise the warm welcome that Britain offers.”

Last year set a record for inbound tourism to Britain on visits and spend with 36.1 million visits, 5% up on 2014, and spending up 1% to £22.1 billion.

If you or your group would like to find out more about the tailor made tours of Britain offered by Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, please do contact us at any time.