奥运因素仍然有助于提高英国的旅游热潮

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　　The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said some 3.5 million overseas residents visited Britain in August this year, an increase of 16 percent year on year.

　　During the June-August period, overseas residents made 10 percent more visits to Britain than in the corresponding period a year earlier and they spent 11 percent more on these visits.

　　The figures also confirmed a definitive¹ London Olympic boost for the tourism industry in Britain, especially in London.

　　According to the latest International Passenger Survey issued by the ONS, a record 7.9 million tourists visited London in the first six months of 2013, the best-ever first half-year tourism numbers in history.

　　Tourist spending in the same period stood at 4.9 billion pounds, a 12.4-percent increase compared with the first half of last year.

　　"These fantastic tourism figures not only support new jobs and growth in London's economy but are yet another testament² to the Olympic legacy³," said London mayor Boris Johnson.

　　"Last summer the palpable buzz of this great city was beamed across the globe. Since then London's draw has gone from strength to strength with billions of pounds of international investment and huge regeneration projects continuing apace," he said.

　　According to statistics from the London City government, tourism in London supports 226,000 jobs, around 5 percent of all employment in the British capital.

　　London attractions have also seen an increase in the number of visitors. The number of people visiting the 33 attractions including the British Museum, the London Eye, and the Tower of London in the first six months of 2013 were 9.6 percent higher than the same period the previous year.

　　Hotels are also benefiting from the Olympic legacy as more tourists come to London.

　　Linda Plant, Director of Marketing⁴ Edwardian Group London said: "We have seen a consistent increase in the number of people staying with us and the number of bookings over the last six months."

　　"These positive figures prove that London continues to be an essential destination for world travellers and domestic visitors and show that growth within the hospitality industry has maintained its momentum⁵ post-London 2012," Plant said.

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