In 2006, there were 32.7 million visits to Britain, 9% up on 2005. They spent over £16 billion in the UK: a 12% increase on 2005. Globally, the UK is sixth for visitor arrivals and spending.

VisitBritain is responsible for marketing Britain globally as a world class destination and for developing England's visitor economy. Created on 1 April 2003 following the merger of the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourism Council, it remains legally constituted as the British Tourist Authority which was created by the Development of Tourism Act, 1969. VisitBritain is funded by Government, through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and through investment by public- and private-sector partners.

VisitBritain has representatives in 36 countries around the world and, in the last three years, has expanded into China, throughout Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, and increased its presence in India. Its 46 www.visitbritain.com websites provide information in 26 different languages and regularly wins World's Leading Tourism Authority Internet Site at the annual World Travel Awards.