London welcomed a record 15.2 million overseas visitors last year, it was announced today.

The 2006 total was 9.4% up on 2005, according to statistics from the Visit London organisation. The largest increase in visitor numbers came from Europe, up 11.6% to 9.6 million, followed by the USA, up 5.2% to 2.4 million.

The foreign tourists spent £7.5bn during their stays in London last year, compared with £6.9bn in 2005. Despite a weakening American dollar, spending by American visitors rose to £1.5bn, the highest figure since 2000.

Visit London chief executive James Bidwell said: "London remains the number one city destination in the world and the latest visitor numbers confirm this. Importantly, we have increased our worldwide share of international visitor numbers [from 1.7% to 1.8%].

“Tourism is worth around £15bn a year to the London economy and sustained increases over time result in an increase in the number of jobs created for the economy.

"This is particularly encouraging in the lead up to 2012 when the tourism and cultural industries will be amongst the main economic beneficiaries from the Olympic games."

London mayor Ken Livingstone said: "Record tourist numbers show the impact of London's profile on the world stage. Visit London has also become one of most professional marketing organisations in the world, delivering huge benefits to the city.

"There are major new sporting events coming to London this year, such as the start of the Tour de France and the first competitive NFL American football game played outside the American continent.

"This year also sees the opening of western Europe's largest entertainment arena at the O2 (the Millennium Dome) as well as the proven continued pulling power of the most diverse and interesting cultural attractions in the world.

"I shall continue to put major resources into the promotion of London in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic games as this translates directly into jobs and incomes for Londoners."