Influx of visitors expected as EU expands

An influx of overseas visitors is likely as new countries join the EU, the UK tourist industry believe.

More than 60% of members of the British Incoming Tour Operators Association (BITOA) said they thought EU expansion would benefit UK tourism.

The strength of the euro is also likely to boost British tourism, the association added.

The positive feeling came as BITOA said that overseas tourist arrivals in the UK in January 2004 rose 1.3% compared with January 2003 – the fifth month running when increases have been reported.

Forward bookings also rose 2.8% – the third successive increase.

BITOA chief executive Stephen Dowd said: “Anecdotal evidence suggests that inquiry levels have been well ahead of expectations during the last three months and that these are converting to bookings more quickly than at any time in the last two years.

“The continued strength of the euro should ensure a strong European presence in the UK this year which, according to our survey, may well be boosted by visitors from the new EU members.”