Business travel hit as UK tourism reaches record high

An unprecedented 39.2 million people came to British shores from overseas in 2017, up four per cent year-on-year.

According to the statistics, compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), those visitors spent £24.5 billion between them, representing an annual increase of nine per cent (without adjusting for inflation).

But the number of business visits fell by four per cent to 8.8m, with more people instead travelling to the UK for holidays or to visit friends and family.

The trend was reflected in British visits to overseas locations, with five per cent fewer business trips.

The number of British residents holidaying overseas also grew steadily, with the number of trips up three per cent.

Spending climbed two per cent to £44.8bn, roughly similar to the increase in travel.

Travel both to and from the UK has increased steadily since the financial crisis.