The number of overseas tourist visits to London, United Kingdom, rebounded in 2022, following a sharp drop due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite the significant annual increase, inbound arrivals in the UK's capital remained below pre-pandemic levels, reaching 16.1 million in 2022. That year, inbound tourist visits to the UK totaled just above 30 million.
Inbound tourism in London during the COVID-19 pandemic
London, the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, is popular among travelers for its cultural institutions and entertainment industry. The city’s most famous attractions range from government-sponsored museums, such as the British Museum, to the Tower of London and the ZSL London Zoo. In 2021, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew were the most visited tourist attraction in London. Overall, most sites reported significantly fewer visitors that year compared to 2019, following the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For instance, attendance at the Natural History Museums – the most visited free attraction in London in 2021 – declined by over 70 percent from 2019.
Number of overseas tourist visits to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022
(in millions)
Characteristic
Number of visits in millions
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Exclusive Premium Statistic
To access all Premium Statistics, you need a paid Statista Account
Figures have been rounded. 2020 data was not available due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 2021 data excludes the Eurotunnel and the Irish border.
Figures can be found under tab 2.14 of the source's Excel file.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
Office for National Statistics (UK). (May 26, 2023). Number of overseas tourist visits to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022 (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 18, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/487467/overseas-visits-to-london-united-kingdom/
Office for National Statistics (UK). "Number of overseas tourist visits to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022 (in millions)." Chart. May 26, 2023. Statista. Accessed June 18, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/487467/overseas-visits-to-london-united-kingdom/
Office for National Statistics (UK). (2023). Number of overseas tourist visits to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022 (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: June 18, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/487467/overseas-visits-to-london-united-kingdom/
Office for National Statistics (UK). "Number of Overseas Tourist Visits to London, United Kingdom (Uk) from 2011 to 2022 (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 26 May 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/487467/overseas-visits-to-london-united-kingdom/
Office for National Statistics (UK), Number of overseas tourist visits to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022 (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/487467/overseas-visits-to-london-united-kingdom/ (last visited June 18, 2024)
Number of overseas tourist visits to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022 (in millions) [Graph], Office for National Statistics (UK), May 26, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/487467/overseas-visits-to-london-united-kingdom/