Visit London, the capital’s official visitor organisation, has today welcomed the opening of Terminal 5 at London Heathrow saying it will alleviate the pressures experienced at Heathrow. Visit London Chief Executive James Bidwell said: 

“T5 will provide visitors to London and the UK with a spectacular first impression and alleviate the pressure experienced at Heathrow, the world’s busiest airport. “The terminal’s smoother check-in process and state-of-the-art baggage management system will certainly better the tourist experience and should help improve the airport’s international reputation.”

London is the number one city destination in the world for international travel and in 2006* welcomed a record 15.6 million overseas visitors. Visit London forecasts that 2007 will also result in a record year for overseas visitors to the capital – 16 million visitors.

“London is the gateway to the UK. Almost 50% of all overseas visitors to the capital visit London and around 75% come through London’s airports. The visitor experience commences from the moment of arrival and by improving the quality of its welcome, London will be better placed to maintain its competitive advantage and to compete effectively in the global tourism market,” Mr Bidwell said.

3/14/2008 4:43:26 AM UTC