Number of tourists to London sets new record in 2014

A total of 17.4 million international tourists visited London in 2014, up 3.5 percent from the previous record of 16.8 million in 2013.

New statistics revealed the record-breaking number of tourists across the world visited London in 2014, contributing 11.8 billion pounds to Britain's economy, with an increase of three percent than 2013, the Office for National Statistics International Passenger Survey said Wednesday.

"These terrific new figures confirm that a record number of tourists are spending record amounts of dosh in our amazing city. Our status as the number one destination in the world is surely beyond any doubt, and with incredible attractions like the Rugby World Cup heading our way we look forward to welcoming many thousands more visitors to London," Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, said.

"London continues to attract record number of international visitors, injecting billions into the capital's economy each year. Royal occasions, like the arrival of Princess Charlotte, combined with London's heritage, attractions and world-leading cultural offer, is expected to attract many more millions from the UK and abroad, continuing the growth of international visitor numbers in 2015," said Gordon Innes, chief executive of London & Partners.

Meanwhile, new figures also showed overseas residents made 34.4 million visits to Britain last year, 5.2 percent higher than in 2013. Earnings from visits to Britain last year reached a record level of spending in the country of 21.8 billion pounds, which increased by 2.8 percent compared to 2013.

Statistics showed the top three visiting countries to Britain in 2014 were France, Germany, the United States, while the top three spending countries in Britain were the United States, Germany and France. Endit