Figures from the latest International Passenger Survey show inbound tourism has delivered all-time record revenue to Britain over the past 12 months with more holiday visitors than ever before.

The findings from the IPS reveal a six per cent increase in visitor spend to £18.2 billion for the twelve months to May 2012 with incoming holiday visitors over the period reaching a record 12.3 million.

Christopher Rodrigues, chairman of VisitBritain said:  “This is a Gold Medal winning performance by the British Tourism industry just before the opening of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games - but the real challenge lies ahead as our global competitors raise their game in response to the job creation opportunity offered by the tourism industry.

“With the eyes of the world upon us, 2012 provides a unique opportunity to showcase the UK’s extraordinary tourism assets - our culture, our history, our countryside, our food and our world-renowned retail brands.

Rodrigues continued: “VisitBritain and its partners will roll out of the next phase of the GREAT marketing campaign immediately after the Games to ensure that the unprecedented coverage of Britain during the Games is converted into increased visitors to our country.

“We are determined to avoid the post Games decline that has hurt so many previous major event organisers.