Olympics drive tourists away
Thursday 11 October 2012
Printable
EmailOfficial statistics today confirmed claims that the Olympic Games would bring millions of people and pounds to the streets of London were nothing more than Conservative hype.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the number of visitors to Britain in August fell by 5 per cent compared with the same month in 2011 - but the amount they spent rose by 9 per cent.
Overseas residents made three million visits to Britain in the month, down 5 per cent from August 2011, according to the ONS.
The Olympic Games ran from July 27 to August 12 and the Paralympics began on August 29.
Roger Smith from the ONS said: "Wet weather is a very important factor to consider alongside the Olympics and other things like exchange rates, which may have an impact on visits."
If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.
Editorial
Hands off our postal service
A government guided by common sense would respond to news that publicly owned Royal Mail has increased profits to £403 million by scrapping plans to flog off the service.
Features
Trade unionists will keep fighting for Wales
Wales TUC president sets out the achievements of Welsh workers over the past year - and looks to the battles ahead
Dirty wars
Interview with Jeremy Scahill, author of a chilling new exposé of the US's worldwide war without end