UK sees record number of visitors in 2017

The Office for National Statistics has published Travel trends: 2017, its annual bulletin providing data on visits to and from the UK and expenditure.

It revealed a record number – 39.2 million visits by overseas residents – four per cent more than in 2016.

However, UK residents made a record number of visits abroad in 2017, totalling 72.8 million visits – an increase of three per cent compared to 2016.

£24.5bn was spent by overseas residents on visits to the UK in 2017, nine per cent more than 2016.

UK residents spent £44.8bn on visits overseas – tow per cent more than 2016.

Looking at the overall picture, the most frequent reason for trips was for holidays, both for UK people going abroad and foreigners visiting the UK.