Pound's fall boosts tourism

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

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.