The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) has reported record numbers of overseas tourism visits, as well as an increased number of visits to DCMS funded museums in the last year.
DCMS writes:
New figures published today (Thursday) reveal 49 million visits were made to the 16 museums and galleries directly funded by the DCMS last year, a four per cent increase on 2012/13 (47 million) and a record high since the first data was published in 2002/03. The ‘Sponsored Museums: Performance Indicators 2013/14’, an annual statistical release, also shows that nine million visits to the sponsored museums were made by children aged 15 and under in 2013/14, an increase of three per cent since from the previous year.
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: ‘These new figures highlight once again the public’s appetite for UK’s incredible culture and heritage, and the continuing appeal of our world-class museums and galleries. The Government’s investment to guarantee free admission for the national collections, along with stunning exhibitions and permanent collections, means that our great cultural institutes can be enjoyed by all’
The UK welcomed a record number of international tourists in 2014 who spent £21.7 billion which Tourism Minister Helen Grant said showed that the government’s ‘tourism strategy is working.’
According to the Office of National Statistics, overseas visitors made 34.8 million trips to the UK last year, an increase of 6% on the 2013 total with spend up 3 per cent. Of these visits, 3.69 million were North American visitors and 25.83 million were Europeans – a rise of 4% and 7% respectively.
Tourism Minister Helen Grant said: ‘I am delighted that tourists from overseas are coming to our country in record numbers, spending more and enjoying the very best of Britain. It confirms that our tourism strategy is working and highlights the important role the industry plays in the Government’s long-term economic plan. I will continue to work hard with the sector to encourage tourists to visit all parts of the country to further boost local growth and jobs.’
DCMS sponsored museums statistics
