MAPPED: Where do foreign tourists go on holiday in the UK?
TOURISTS flock to all corners of the UK every year but foreign holidaymakers have been shown to gravitate to certain areas of Britain more than others. So where do other nationalities holiday in Britain?
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Tourists from across the globe have been shown to head to particular regions in the UK more than others, reveals new research.
From Italians loving the South West to Germans enjoying London, these are the areas of Britain where foreign tourists head on holiday, according to AC Group, a UK inbound tour operator.
London - Most popular with Germany
With their passion for history, architecture and culture, Germans are drawn to London’s iconic landmarks and galleries.
Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster and the Tate Modern are amongst the favourite sights.
South East - Most popular with Iceland
Brighton’s funky laneways appeal to the colourful nature of Icelandic visitors, whilst the iconic pier and pebble beaches provide a coastal scene different to their black volcanic beaches at home.
Holidays 2018: Top tourist sites in the UK - this is where foreign visitors love to go
South West - Most popular with Italy
Italian holidaymakers are looking for experiences. Highlighting the long history between Italy and the UK, attractions including the Roman Baths in Bath are popular, along with Cheddar Gorge and a stop at Stonehenge on their way to South West England.
North West - Most popular with China
Chinese tourists have long associated Britain with music, films and museums, and following cultural growth in the North West - including the British Music Experience and the Museum of Science and Industry - this is becoming their top destination.
A trip to Liverpool to brush up on Beatles history and for younger tourists, a BritPop look at Manchester, plus iconic sports clubs and luxury shopping appeal to this affluent visitor group.
North east - Most poplar with Spain
Shopping centres and traditional English pubs, coupled with friendliness of the locals, sees the North East come top with Spanish visitors.
The ‘Angel of the North’ monument is also an Instagram hot spot.
Express
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Yorkshire - Most popular with France
The more adventurous French travellers who are looking to venture beyond London are flocking to Yorkshire.
Cycling tourists love to explore the Dales, with local delicacies including Parkin and Yorkshire Pudding tempting the French tastebuds.
East of England - Most popular Australia
Long associated with London, you can now find Aussies invading Cambridge marvelling at the history and enjoying a punt on a sunny day.
They are also venturing to Norwich for a taste of coastal life.
West Midlands - Most popular with Japan
Japanese visitors are often on the lookout for stunning landscape and interesting history which is why they’re increasingly heading to the West Midlands.
Stratford-upon-Avon and its Shakespeare connections; Warwick Castle; even the canals of Birmingham - all rate highly for Japanese visitors.
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East Midlands - Most popular with India
Like most nationalities drawn to the UK, Indians love to explore the history of this nation, and the East Midlands appeals thanks to its links to heroic legend Robin Hood, as well as ties to Indian culture and trading in Leicester’s ‘Golden Mile’.
Scotland - Most popular with USA
American tourists can’t get enough of Scotland’s whiskey tours and fly fishing.
Mixing the picturesque countryside with the buzzing cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow provides a full itinerary for visitors. And that’s before we even look at those coming to golf.
Northern Ireland - Most popular with Canada
Whilst Game of Thrones related tourism has broadened Northern Ireland’s appeal to most nationalities, Canadians remain the most active explorers of the area.
They generally enjoy the nightlife in Belfast, exploring the Titanic museum and marvelling at the Giant’s Causeway.