Inbound tourist numbers to the UK during November 2012 were up 9 per cent on the previous year, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed.

It makes for the busiest November since 2007 – the year before the global economic crisis plunged the UK into recession.

Overseas visitors spent more than £17.2bn over the last 11 months – a record high in nominal terms.

Holiday visits were up nine per cent, visits to friends and family were up six per cent and business visits were up 11 per cent.

Patricia Yates, director of strategy at VisitBritain said: “We expect to reach our forecast of 31 million visits for the full year (2012), giving us the perfect foundation to see continued strong growth in international tourism in 2013 contributing revenue to the UK economy and creating new jobs across Britain.”