UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls has voiced her support for the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s new campaign to bring more tourists to the capital following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Mayor’s Let’s Do London campaign expanded earlier this year to reach international audiences and encourage even more people to enjoy everything London has to offer following the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality, culture, leisure and retail sectors.
The campaign has delivered a return on investment of £28 for every £1 spent, bringing in an additional £289m spending to London.
It is also estimated that the campaign will bring an additional 600,000 visitors to London from other parts of the UK, Germany, France and the USA.
Ms Nicholls said: “London is one of the most vibrant cities on earth and it’s fantastic to see the success of the Mayor’s campaign, bringing much needed visitors back through the doors of our amazing hospitality venues.
“The sector is so critical to London, generating £36 billion for the economy and employing half a million people, and I’m certain the campaign will go from strength-to-strength, attracting even more people from at home and abroad to visit.
“As we head into winter, I can’t wait to see even more people enjoying the capital’s Christmas offering and the return of our world class fireworks display this New Year.”
Mr Khan added: “Our hospitality, leisure and culture sectors are world-leading and a major driver of our economy, but they have had an incredibly difficult few years due to the impact of the pandemic and now the cost of living crisis.
“I’m delighted that my Let’s Do London campaign has helped bring in an additional £289m spending in London.
“I will continue to bang the drum for our capital and highlight our unparalleled offer to visitors from all round the world, as well as the many exciting free events that we have on offer, as we build a better, more prosperous city for all.”
