European figures reveal boost to the UK from tourism during 2013
TOURISM to the UK jumped by 6.5 per cent last year, according to data released in Brussels yesterday.
Figures collating the number of nights spent in tourism accommodation through Europe showed growth in the UK outperforming many peer states.
In the UK nearly 320m nights were spent in tourist accommodation, with the 6.5 per cent rise prompted mainly by a 16.7 per cent leap in the number of non-residents staying over.
Most of Europe’s other large economies also saw growth, albeit at more modest rates.
Nights stayed in France were up 1.1 per cent, while Spain was up one per cent, and Germany up by 1.3 per cent.
However, in Italy – one of the continent’s most popular destinations for tourists – the number of nights stayed declined by 4.6 per cent.
Debt-troubled Greece appears to be getting a helping hand from its tourist industry, with a sharp 11.7 per cent rise in nights stayed. The Mediterranean country recorded 87.3m nights stayed in 2013.