Did the Olympics bring more or fewer tourists to London? At last we have the answer

By Mike Pollitt
13 February 2013, 12:00

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Before the London Olympics there was a lot of chat about whether they would be amazing for tourism or appalling for tourism. Nobody seemed quite certain. Or rather, everybody seemed very certain, but of completely opposing results.

So who was right?

The increasingly indispensible London DataStore has just published the answer:

“The number of overseas visits decreased by 6%, and visitor nights by 2% in Q3 2012 (Jul-Sep) when compared with the same quarter in 2011. Total overseas visitor spend was up 11%.”

Fewer people came than the previous year. But those who did spent more money.

Everyone was right! Or wrong, depending how uncharitable you like to be to the people who make a living predicting this stuff.

Mike Pollitt
Mike Pollitt is the editor of The Metropolis.

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London Agenda 21 Tuesday

1. Watch gorgeous 1948 story-within-a-story of a young dancer who sells her soul for fame The Red Shoes [Le Cool]

2. Listen to four writers reading their own wonderful tales for seven minutes or less, judged by three all-star judges at Literary Death Match [Run Riot]

3. Ask if you need a currency to become a state [Ian Visits]

4. Relax in Spa Fields [Tired of London]

5. Hear Seapony // Flowers // Bloomer at the Brixton Windmill [London in Stereo]

6. Listen to Chet Faker at Cargo [Spoonfed]