The head of London’s promotional body has voiced confidence that tourists will “stand by” London in the wake of deadly terrorism atrocities.
Laura Citron, chief executive of London & Partners, which runs VisitLondon.com spoke out following reports suggesting that tourism could slump by 30% following Saturday night’s attack at London Bridge which has now claimed the lives of eight people.
A total of 29 others remain in London hospitals, with ten in a critical condition.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those people affected by the tragic terror attack at London Bridge,” Citron said.
“At this stage it is not possible to predict the impact on the tourism industry but we do know that in the two months following the Westminster attack, travel agent bookings to London were up 6.7%.”
She added: “Londoners and visitors are resilient and we are confident that tourists will stand by the city and our values.
“London is up and running as normal, and it is great to see people out enjoying our unbeatable array of museums, restaurants, shops and theatres.
“Seven hundred thousand Londoners rely on tourism for their livelihoods and visitors have never been more important or more welcome here.”