VisitBritain got bang for its bucks in the busy year of 2012. Following a year of major events, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Games, figures show that 2012 saw the highest spend in Britain’s inbound history. North American travelers accounted for 3.7 million visits, up 2 percent, best year since 2008 although not at record levels. Visits from the U.S. in 2012 were 3 percent higher than in 2011.

            December saw a strong increase in overall visits with 2.4 million visits, a 12 percent increase in visits on last December, making December 2012 the best December for four years (since 2008). There was a record amount (in nominal terms) spent in December, 15 percent more than in December 2011. December saw growth from all origin world regions. There was a 6 percent increase in visits from North America in December and a 5 percent increase over the last three months (October to December 2012)

The contribution of inbound tourism to the U.K. economy has continued to grow in 2012, with latest figures showing a record £19 billion in spend, a four percent rise on 2011. Figures also confirmed that visits were up on 2011 with over 31 million international tourists enjoying a trip across Britain, representing a 1 percent rise on 2011 and the best year since 2008. The biggest year in inbound history was anchored by 12 million holiday visits and good growth of business and VFR. 2012 witnessed a record number of visits from “rest of the world” markets at 4.9 million and a record 2.2 million.

“Our tourism strategy was clearly to use the showcasing of the Games and turn the millions who watched coverage of Britain into visitors in the months and years ahead,” said Sandie Dawe, chief executive for VisitBritain. “We have made an excellent start and will continue our work promoting Britain as a great place to visit to deliver further revenue and jobs in the UK through 2013.”