UK sporting events generate £2.3bn a year according to VisitBritain

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Foreign tourists spend £2.3bn a year watching and playing UK sport, according to a VisitBritain survey.

The survey shows nearly 2m visitors watched sport in Britain in 2008, the most recent year for which full figures are available. They often did this at an iconic venue such as Lord’s or Hampden Park, spending more than £1.3bn in the process.

Sporty foreign tourists account for about 14 per cent of all spending by visitors in 2008. A sporting visitor spends far more, an average of £900 per trip, than an ‘ordinary’ foreign tourist who typically spends £500.

VisitBritain’s chief executive, Sandie Dawe, says: “This survey clearly demonstrates British sport is growing in popularity with foreign visitors. Millions are travelling to watch our events and participate in our famous, sometimes quirky, sporting traditions. It is a hugely encouraging sign that Britain has the sporting expertise to stage an Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, that we hope will win the hearts of the world and deliver a tourism legacy, jobs and economic growth for this country.’’

13 July 10

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