UK expecting boost in visits from China as Chinese New Year approaches

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The British tourist authority VisitBritain is anticipating a bumper Chinese New Year as latest figures suggest nearly half a million people from China will visit the UK in the upcoming year.

That's an increase on 2017 of 43 percent, according to figures compiled by data-gathering organization ForwardKeys.

Britain's tourist authority VisitBritain claims London has the most spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia. /CGTN Photo

During their UK stopover, it's anticipated visitors from China will spend nearly 1.5 billion U.S. dollars.

Visitors from China are some of the UK's highest spenders, splashing out an average 2,700 U.S. dollars each. VisitBritain says that's more than three times the average.

It's a significant boon for the UK economy; as for every 22 visits from China one job is created in the British tourism industry.

Chinese New Year celebrations take over Trafalgar Square every year. /CGTN Photo

Chinese New Year is a prime time to travel for the Chinese and the UK is gearing up to host some of the largest celebrations outside of Asia.

Events include three days of celebrations in Liverpool, parades in Manchester, festivals and performances in Birmingham and Leeds to a street parade from Charing Cross to Chinatown in London and the first ever Chinese New Year festival in Edinburgh.

Chinese perceptions of Britain as a visitor destination are strong, according to VisitBritain. China ranked the UK second last year in a survey of 50 countries by the Anholt Nation Brands Index.

Chinese New Year is a prime time for Chinese tourists to the UK. /CGTN Photo

"China is an extremely important market for VisitBritain and we want to provide a world-class experience and welcome for Chinese visitors who travel here" said VisitBritain's Director, Patricia Yates.

(Cover: The UK is expecting more tourists from China than ever. /CGTN Photo)