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London is world's top place to visit
Bo Wilson, Evening Standard12.12.07
London has been voted the greatest holiday destination in the world, beating competition from cities such as New York and Sydney and idyllic beachside retreats including Barbados and the Maldives.
A combination of new venues, including Wembley Stadium, and blockbuster exhibitions, such as the Terracotta Army, helped the capital to triumph at the World Travel Awards last night. The awards are based on the votes of more than 160,000 agents.
The win follows an exceptional year for London. An estimated million people watched the Tour de France Grand Depart in July and once shabby attractions such as the Royal Festival Hall have been refurbished.
The Millennium Dome has been transformed into the O2 arena, with major concerts by Prince, Barbra Streisand and Led Zeppelin. Visitors can enjoy two blockbuster exhibitions. The British Museum has the Ter racotta Army wh i le Tutankhamun And The Golden Age Of The Pharaohs at the O2 is a big draw.
Other popular events include the opening of London Zoo's Gorilla Kingdom and the India Now! season.
The World Travel Awards are considered to be the most comprehensive and prestigious in the industry, recognising excellence in travel and tourism.
Last year, London welcomed a record 15.6 million overseas tourists, up more than 12 per cent on 2005. The number of British visitors staying overnight in the capital rose by 2.6 per cent to almost 11 million. Tourist spending equals about £15billion a year.
Tourism organisation Visit London accepted the award at the ceremony in the West Indies by video link. Chief executive James Bidwell said: "This award bolsters London's position as the number one city destination in the world and tops an incredible year for the capital. Last year was a record year for overseas visitors to London and our market share of international visitor numbers also increased.
"From building new, world-class venues to attracting international sporting events, our intention is to continue this momentum in the lead-up to and beyond the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"We will not rest on our laurels but continue to innovate."
TOP RESORTS WE BEAT
Abu Dhabi
Barbados
Dubai
India
Jamaica
Maldives
New York
Orlando
Rio de Janeiro
Sharm el Sheikh
Sydney
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Reader views (18)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
London is number 1, 2 and 3. Nowhere else comes close!
Best of London? The people. We've never had a bad experience and we try to come every other year.
This year we will be there on December 31.
- Robert, Chicago, U.S.A.
Well done London, well done Ken. London's transformation into the World's capital is astonishing- and the Olympics are still to come! Forget all the moaning right-wing going-nowhere types, this is a thriving city with big ambitions and we should be proud of it. Please, please don't shackle London's fortunes to a blustering buffoon from the 'Shires. Keep it going Ken, you've got flaws but so has this city, you've got dreams, and so has this city, and you're ambitious, brash and pioneering, as this city should always be.
- Luis, London
London is a great city, but going through Heathrow and Gatwick airports are a living hell....By the way, where is Paris on the list? Something is amiss.
- Will, Bangalore, India
