Tourist accommodation in London recorded more than 56 million overnight stays in 2016 – more than any other city in Europe.

Research published by European Cities Marketing (ECM) revealed that around 41 million of those stays came from international tourists, helping London grow the overall figure to 7 per cent year-on-year.

The French capital Paris recorded the second most number of overnight stays. It was followed by Berlin (Germany), Rome (Italy), Barcelona, Madrid (both Spain), Prague (Czech Republic), Vienna (Austria), Munich (Germany) and Amsterdam (Holland).

In terms of overnight stays made by international tourists, London’s figure grew by 1.3 per cent compared with 2015.

Paris experienced a dip in international stays (-12.9 per cent), possibly in relation to the well-publicised terrorist attack occurring in the city in November 2015.

Rajesh Agrawal, deputy mayor of London for business, said the figures were “sensational” and demonstrated London’s “enduring appeal”.

“With our world-class sport, culture, art, history and architecture, it is not surprising that visitors continue to flock to the capital, proving that London is open to people from all four corners of the world,” he added.

ECM president Ignasi de Delas said it was “another exceptionally successful year for city tourism in Europe.”

He added: “Europe offers tourists an unrivalled array of culture, history and food experiences which, coupled with a diverse accommodation sector, means cities across the continent are hosting more and more travellers.”