Edinburgh Joins London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Belfast as Top Six Cities To Lead the Charge in UK’s Booming Tourism Economy Drawing Visitors from USA, China, and Ireland, What You Need To Know About A New Era of Tourism Growth

Published on December 17, 2025

The UK tourism sector is poised for a record-breaking year, with inbound visitor numbers expected to reach a staggering 43.4 million by the end of 2025. Edinburgh, alongside London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Belfast, is now leading the charge in the UK’s booming tourism economy. This surge is being fueled by an influx of visitors from key source countries like the USA, China, and Ireland. The rise of regional hubs, coupled with an increasing appetite for cultural experiences, has marked the beginning of a new era in UK tourism, where cities outside of London are becoming vital economic drivers for the industry.

UK’s Top Cities for Tourism Growth: Key Highlights

While London continues to hold the title as the most visited city in the UK, it’s the rise of regional cities that is defining the 2024–2025 tourism landscape. Here’s a look at the top six cities that are leading the charge in visitor growth, based on the latest data from VisitBritain and ONS:

1. London

1. Annual Visitors: ~21.7 million
2. Growth Highlight: Highest international arrivals in Europe for 2024.
3. Top Source Country: USA
   London remains the heart of the UK’s tourism economy, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city saw a sharp increase in international tourism, especially from the USA, which continues to be the largest source market. Popular attractions like the British Museum, West End theatre, and Buckingham Palace continue to draw millions, cementing London’s position as a global tourism leader.
4. Edinburgh

1. Annual Visitors: ~4.0 million
2. Growth Highlight: Record growth during the 2024 Festival Fringe, with a +1.5 million increase in visitors.
3. Top Source Country: USA
   Edinburgh has experienced a tourism boom, driven largely by its world-renowned Festival Fringe. This festival has contributed to the city’s growing popularity, attracting high-spending tourists from the USA and beyond. Edinburgh’s rich history, including iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, makes it a prime destination for cultural travelers.
4. Manchester

1. Annual Visitors: ~1.6 million
2. Growth Highlight: Fastest-growing regional hub for holiday visitors.
3. Top Source Country: China
   Manchester has emerged as a top destination for international visitors, particularly from China, thanks to its thriving shopping scene and cultural events. The city’s expansion in luxury shopping, along with attractions like the Museum of Science and Industry and Old Trafford, make it a must-visit for both cultural enthusiasts and shoppers.
4. Liverpool

1. Annual Visitors: ~850,000
2. Growth Highlight: Highest year-on-year growth in inbound flight traffic.
3. Top Source Countries: Ireland, USA
   Liverpool’s revival as a cultural and music tourism destination has led to a sharp increase in visitors. Known for its Beatles heritage and vibrant cultural scene, Liverpool’s tourism growth has been fueled by international flight traffic, with visitors flocking from Ireland and the USA.
4. Birmingham

1. Annual Visitors: ~1.1 million
2. Growth Highlight: Significant surge in business and “VFR” (Visiting Friends & Relatives) tourism.
3. Top Source Country: India
   Birmingham has become a business tourism hub, with India emerging as the leading source market. The city’s growing prominence as a destination for conventions, exhibitions, and shopping has boosted visitor numbers, with the Bullring Shopping Centre and Cadbury World proving particularly popular.
4. Belfast

1. Annual Visitors: ~1.2 million
2. Growth Highlight: Record interest in “Screen Tourism”, particularly for Game of Thrones and Titanic tourism.
3. Top Source Countries: USA, Republic of Ireland
   Belfast is increasingly recognized as a top destination for screen tourism, with both Game of Thrones and Titanic attractions drawing significant international interest. The city’s film tourism offerings, combined with a burgeoning food scene, have contributed to its tourism surge.

The Recovery of UK’s Aviation Sector: What Travelers Need to Know

The UK aviation sector is experiencing a “Tourism Tsunami”, with 135.9 million total passenger arrivals recorded in the year ending September 2025. This represents a massive recovery, exceeding previous years’ numbers, and reflects a return to strong international travel.

Ticket bookings for inbound flights in late 2025 (October) saw an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, with Liverpool and Edinburgh seeing the most significant growth. Regional airports, particularly Manchester and Edinburgh, have seen record-breaking monthly passenger numbers in 2025, highlighting the shift toward regional travel.

Key Source Markets: Who’s Visiting the UK?

In 2025, the UK is seeing a shift in its visitor profile, with more high-spending long-haul markets contributing to growth. The USA remains the dominant market, with American tourists projected to spend a record £6.7 billion in the UK in 2025—a major boost for cities like London and Manchester.

Other growing markets include China, which is experiencing a dramatic comeback in 2025, and India, which is driving growth in cities like Birmingham and London. Germany and France continue to be significant European source markets, with cultural tourism playing a big role in cities like Edinburgh and York.

Top Tips for Travelers Visiting the UK in 2025

• Book Early: With the significant rise in international arrivals, accommodation and flights may be in high demand, especially in London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. It’s advisable to book early to secure the best rates.
• Explore Regional Cities: While London is a must-visit, cities like Liverpool, Birmingham, and Edinburgh offer unique cultural experiences and are less crowded than the capital.
• Check Event Schedules: Major events, like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe or football matches in Manchester, can lead to increased visitor numbers. Plan your trip around these events to experience the best of each city.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on flight and booking updates as the tourism surge in 2025 continues, particularly in regional hubs like Edinburgh and Liverpool.
• Be Prepared for Crowds: With the tourism boom, expect more crowded attractions, especially in London and Edinburgh. Consider visiting early in the day or exploring lesser-known attractions for a more relaxed experience.

Key Takeaways

• UK tourism is on track to hit 43.4 million visitors by 2025, with strong growth in both London and regional cities like Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Manchester.
• USA, China, and India are key contributors to the growth, with high-spending visitors expected to drive significant tourism revenue.
• The aviation sector is fully recovered, with regional airports like Manchester and Edinburgh setting new records.
• Travelers should plan ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure accommodations and flights, and explore emerging regional hubs for unique experiences.

With record-breaking numbers expected, the UK is primed for a tourism resurgence, offering both business and leisure travelers a diverse range of destinations and experiences in 2025.

Conclusion:
As Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Belfast lead the way in the UK’s tourism growth, the influence of visitors from the USA, China, and Ireland underscores a pivotal shift in the industry. The UK is experiencing a tourism renaissance, with regional cities offering exciting opportunities for both business and leisure travelers alike.

Disclaimer: The Attached Images in This Article are AI Generated