(MENAFNEditorial) A recent survey of shoppers in London's West End over the weekend found they were all without exception enjoying their visit, with 99% of them hoping to visit London again at some stage in the future, announced Dubai-based VisitBritain officials.
The respondents said that they are enjoying London's entertainment most of all, closely followed by the shopping. Two thirds of visitors also said they were enjoying the food, reporting that it is exceeding the expectations they had before their visit.
Just under half of the visitors had been or were planning to visit the Olympic Games and three quarters of the visitors said that London had surprised them in some way. The most common factor mentioned was the weather, and the warmth of welcome and friendliness of the British people.
"This survey truly counters concerns last week that visitors were staying away from the shops and London's more traditional tourist attractions in favour of visiting the Olympic Games," explained Carol Maddison, UAE Manager, VisitBritain. "London has so much to offer and this summer is the time to experience it all."
UAE visitors to the UK can still find valuable late summer deals while on holiday this summer, Maddison added.
Hotels in London were reported to be just under 85 percent full at the end of July which was on par with expectations, and means there are still several thousand hotel and hostel rooms available, many offering great late booking deals.
VisitBritain affiliate, London & Partners, is offering a variety of discounted deals available for visitors, including summer deals on hotels and apartments, with up to 50 percent off at Guoman Hotels and Thistle Hotels, up to 40 percent off at London's Hilton Hotel and three nights for the price of two at the Royal Garden Hotel.
"London delivers a wide-range of world-class shopping, shows, and dining throughout the UK's capital, from taking a boat trip down the Thames a la David Beckham, to a zip slide and tour at Wembley Stadium, a day trip to the London Dungeons or a night at the theatre," said Maddison.
Many of the best things to do in London are free all year round – from world-class museums, the British Museum, Tate Modern and Natural History Museum, to the stunning Royal Parks which are perfect for family picnics. Other attractions going on until September include the London 2012 Festival, a massive celebration of the arts, and the BBC Proms, which is widely regarded as the world's largest music festival.
London is one of world's top destinations for food connoisseurs, and with many of London's residents and visitors currently distracted by the sporting action, now is a great time to book a table at one of the capital's most exclusive restaurants. Visitors can try The Ivy, Heston Blumenthal's Dinner or trendy Bistrotheque in East London.
Gulf visitors curious about the life of English royalty can pay a visit to Buckingham Palace. Nineteen lavishly decorated State Rooms are open to visitors until the end of September, furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, sculpture by Canova and some of the finest English and French furniture.
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