// The Jubilee Weekend is expected to inject tens of millions of pounds into London’s infamous West End district, according to new research
// It has been predicted the four-day bank holiday will draw in as many 2.6 million domestic and international tourists to the capital
The latest figures from New West End Company, which represents 600 retail, restaurant, hotel and property owners across central London, have shown that sales over the Jubilee weekend will reach £80 million.
It comes after the West End was hit hard during the pandemic when stores were force to close and international travel halted.
This new research predicts that the four-day bank holiday weekend is expected to draw in 2.6 million domestic and international visitors to the Capital, kick-starting the UK’s tourism recovery, as the nation prepares for its first restriction-free summer.
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New West End Company chief operating officer Dee Corsi said: “Alongside high streets across the country, London’s West End will be transforming itself in the coming days,”
“With street parties, pageants and Her Majesty’s birthday parade, retail and hospitality businesses across the West End are gearing up to celebrate this special moment in British history with family-friendly activities on offer, alongside Royal-inspired menus in our district’s famous restaurants.
“Uniquely British events, such as the Queen’s Jubilees or Royal Weddings, are a boom for high streets across the UK, with revellers coming out in force to eat, drink and shop over the long weekend. We strongly encourage the Great British public to come out, support their high streets and enjoy everything London has to offer as we celebrate Her Majesty’s historic reign.”
Despite the large turnout expected over the Jubilee weekend and domestic footfall steadily increasing, New West End Company is turning to the Government to ask for more support to help entice overseas holidaymakers back to British shores, a group that historically contributes a vast amount to the wider economy.
Corsi added: “The long term recovery of the West End is on track, but for us to succeed long-term we need to ensure that the nation’s high street and the wider country remains globally competitive. There are simple routes to achieving this – exploring a simplified visa process, reintroducing tax-free shopping and extending Sunday trading hours.
“We’re in good stead to build back better, but we must clear a path if we want tourists – who generate an estimated £237 billion across the UK every year and support one in eight London jobs – to flock back to our high streets.”
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