Britain welcomed 32.9 million overseas visitors in 2013, more than any other year, according to provisional estimates released this morning by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Across the calendar year, visitors spent a record £21bn on their trips, an increase of 13 per cent on 2012, which also saw record figures, buoyed by the staging of the Olympic Games.

The UK received 2.4 million overseas visits to its shores in December 2013, a two per cent year-on-year, but enough to ensure the annual figure represents a six per cent increase on 2012.

“Not only have we managed to surpass the £20bn barrier for the very first time, but we’ve broken records for Holidaymakers and visitors from key growth markets such as China and South Korea," says Sandie Dawe, chief executive at VisitBritain.

“Our international tourists are starting to see and do more across the country, which tells us that our GREAT campaign is not only working, but influencing travel too. Holiday figures are up across the whole of Britain with robust growth for Scotland, Wales, the rest of England and London.

“Every pound invested in our tourism marketing results in visitors spending £19 in this country. The financial benefits from inbound tourism are clear for everyone to see.”

The calendar year also saw record levels for holiday visits, while arrivals from all world regions and for all main journey purposes showed growth compared to 2012.

Business and VFR visits both saw their best calendar year since 2008, up seven and five per cent respectively on 2012.

Last year also saw record visits for a calendar year from the lucrative ‘Rest of World’ markets (outside Europe and North America), whose visitors typically exhibit higher spending patterns, with a 10 per cent increase on 2012.

Minister for Tourism Helen Grant adds: “With nearly £21 billion spent, it demonstrates the significant contribution the tourism industry is making to the country’s economic recovery.

"We will continue to support the sector and promote Britain to the world as a great place to visit and do business with.”