// London is forecast to generate up to £50 million in sales as the bumper three-day bank holiday weekend approaches for King Charle’s coronation
// Footfall is set to reach 1.75 million over the three days, up 24% on last year’s first May bank holiday
King Charles’ coronation bank holiday weekend (6-8 May) is expected to generate up to £50m for London’s West End retail and hospitality businesses, according to estimates from the New West End Company (NWEC).
NWEC predicts footfall to reach 1.75 million over the three days, up 24% on last year’s first May bank holiday
The rise in footfall is expected to be driven by American tourists looking to witness the UK’s first coronation in 71 years.
International travel bookings to London for the coronation week are up 93% compared to last year’s first May bank holiday, while bookings from the US are by up 144%.
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In order to promote the event, the New West End Company has decorated the West End with 247 Union Jack flags, coronation planters, and a series of street installations with the slogan ‘get your royal on’.
Coronation-inspired retail and hospitality experiences are also accessible through QR codes displayed across the area.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said Transport for London’s makeover would also help to “show our capital city in all of its glory” to the watching world.
NWEC chief executive Dee Corsi said: “Uniquely British events, such as The King’s Coronation show our capital at its very best. We’re expecting a flood of domestic and international visitors drawn by the chance to be part of history.”
“The West End’s recovery is on track, but in order to ensure it remains globally competitive, the UK needs to increase its appeal to high spending international visitors. We strongly encourage the Government to consider low-cost growth measures, such as a reconsideration of the abolition of tax-free shopping and an extension of Sunday Trading Laws, to guarantee the long-term success of Britain’s tourist economy.”
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