Blame the credit crunch, the pusillanimous dollar, or our overly expensive attractions: whatever the reason, tourist numbers dropped by 4% during 2007, after a downturn in the final six months of the year. Worse is expected: visitor levels are expected to drop 2.7% and 1.2% respectively over the next two years. The sharpest fall is in visitors from the States, where a queasy greenback is inclining Americans to visit cheaper shores (like almost anyplace else in the world, for example). Hotels, business venues and, worst of all, the jugglers and caricaturists of Covent Garden, are likely to suffer the most.
Tourist Numbers Falling
Tourist Numbers Falling
Last Updated 04 August 2008