Visitors to the UK love to shop

Visit Britain, the national tourism agency, has stated that shopping is one of the most popular activities for international visitors to the UK, according to new research.

The agency’s shopping report reveals that 64 percent of visits to the UK in 2014 involved shopping, with around 22 million international visitors spending an estimated 5.5 billion pounds on retail therapy over the course of the year.

Patricia Yates, director of strategy and communications at Visit Britain, said: “Retail therapy is one of the great relaxing pursuits for international holiday visitors to the UK – with 80 percent going shopping.

“Average spend for people who come to the UK primarily to shop is £346 a night, a huge lift on the average spend of £83. Inbound tourism is Britain’s third biggest service export and supports sectors such as retail as well as hotels and attractions.”

The research also revealed that female tourists are most likely to shop during their visit with 77 percent of women hitting the shops, compared to just 54 percent of men, with a shopping trip to Oxford Street reported as the second most appealing activity for female visitors to the UK.

Young visitors of both genders are most likely to go shopping during their visits, with 85 percent of under 16s and 77 percent of 16-24 year-olds visiting high street stores, gift and boutique shops.