The strength of the US economy is expected to fuel the number of Americans visiting the UK this year.
A report out today from Bear Stearns expects a record 4m visitors from the US this year. But it warns that if the Kosovo war spreads further into Europe or if terrorism results, numbers could drop off. Fears about the millennium bug could also hit tourism towards the end of the year and early next. BDO Hospitality Consulting says the hotel industry will benefit from the millennium. It expects occupancy rates to rise 3% next year. It forecasts room rates in London will climb 8%.
Meanwhile enterprising Cornwall businesses that have set aside land to view the August eclipse in August could lose a fortune. Warnings about traffic gridlock has led to cancellations and few new bookings.
Financial Times 24/05/99 page 8
The Times 24/05/99 page 12
The Independent 24/05/99 page 3
