British Airways London Eye, London’s top paid for visitor attraction, welcomed its five millionth visitor today (24 July 2001).

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell MP, welcomed Hal and Valorie Holzman, of Sacramento, California, and their son Mike,15, on to the world’s biggest observation wheel.

To mark the event the family were given a prize of two British Airways World Traveller Plus return tickets and a private capsule on the London Eye.

Mr Holzman said, “The London Eye is a famous landmark and was a key part of our trip to Britain. We were surprised and delighted to be the five millionth visitors to ride 450ft up on the Eye. It was a fantastic trip.”

The Right Hon Tessa Jowell, MP, said; “I am delighted to see the five millionth visitor on the BA London Eye. To reach this number in only 17 months is a fantastic achievement. This year, London was awarded the title of best travel destination in the world. From the top of the Eye on a beautiful day like today you can see why.”

——-