Pound's fall boosts tourism

THE pound's plunge against the Euro is beginning to boost tourism, the body promoting Britain abroad said today.

VisitBritain said spending from overseas tourists had increased significantly at the same time as the pound's collapse in value.

It said it believed there was the potential for tourism to do well from the economic downturn as visitors' buying power increased.

The pound plunged to a new low against the Euro in early trading today when it fell to €1.052. Analysts predict it will reach parity with the European currency within weeks.

The Office for National Statistics said tourist spending was up 11 per cent year on year in October, to £1.48 billion - even before the rapid deterioration in the pound's value in recent weeks.

Visitor numbers were down five per cent, suggesting that spending per head was up significantly.

VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues said: "For Britain, the weakening of the pound against the Euro and the US dollar could mean increasing numbers of visitors on short shopping trips over the festive season."

The New West End Company, which promotes shopping in London, said it believed an increase in sales in November was fuelled by overseas visitors lured by being able to buy more cheaply in Britain.