Tourist spend on the rise in the UK once more

Tourists are starting to return to their old habits and are spending more abroad whilst visiting UK once more, after a gloomy year saw travellers from key regions such as China, Russia and Malaysia put the brakes on overseas shopping.

According to a Global Blue report released today, international tourist spend in the UK increased 10 percent year-on-year last month, a notable jump in what has been a sluggish year for tourist spend. In comparison, international spend from January to October this year increased 3 percent, due to a dip in visitors from China and other key regions as they faced a slew of economical issues.

"The root of the slowdown has been due to the consequences on consumer confidence caused by economic and political issues that have hit top spending countries," said Global Blue. The top three international shopper groups, which include the Middle East, China and the US, all reported double digit growth in spending for the month of November.

Tourists from the US spending 55 percent in comparison with last November, whilst travellers from the top-spending region, the Middle East, spent 22 percent more year-on-year and Chinese visitors spend grew 12 percent. Russian shoppers on the other hand held off on spending in the UK, with spend from the region decreasing 41 percent year-on-year in October and 33 percent year-on-year last month.

In addition, tourists from Thailand, Malaysia and Nigeria have all tighten their belts in regards to their UK spend, decreasing 1 percent, 16 percent and 20 percent year-on-year respectively. However, in spite of the decrease in spend witnessed by some regions, Global Blue is adamant the increase in UK spend seen by key shopper regions is a signal of brighter times ahead.

"UK retailers should look forward to a positive end to the year as the encouraging November growth marks the start of what is set to be a bumper period for international spend," said Global Blue.