Visits to UK, number of 'Brits abroad' hit record

LONDON, Nov 9 (Reuters) A record number of people are visiting and leaving Britain for business or pleasure as travellers shrug off heightened security risks and the threat of diseases like bird flu.

Official data published yesterday showed overseas visitors made a record 30 million visits to the UK last year, some 2.2 million more than in 2004 and despite deadly bomb attacks on London's transport network in July.

Tourist spending accounts for about 2 per cent of the British economy.

UK residents took more than 66 million trips abroad -- another all-time high -- and spending by both visitors to the UK and British travellers also struck record levels, the 2005 International Passenger Survey showed.

The survey depicts a growing resilience among British holidaymakers and business travellers and a buoyant UK travel industry in the wake of the September 11 attacks on New York and a prolonged foot and mouth outbreak in Britain in 2001.

More than 7 in every 10 visitors were from mainland Europe, but the United States accounted for the most visits from a single country.

Of the record 14.2 billion pounds ( billion) spent by visitors to the UK, Pakistanis splashed out most per trip -- 1,697 pounds each -- while Belgians were the most circumspect, spending just 203 pounds per visit.

UK residents spent 32.2 billion pounds on their travels -- another all-time high and 1.9 billion more than in 2004. And the British have never taken more holidays abroad -- a record 44.2 million.

Spain and France were the most popular destinations. Visits to new European Union member countries also soared with trips to Poland doubling in 2005 -- although more than half of those were made by Polish nationals holding UK residency.

REUTERS PDM BD0846