The number of overseas visitors coming to the UK increased 6% in the first half of this year, it was announced today.

The UK welcomed 14.87 million tourists in January-June 2006 compared with the same period last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. The half-year rise came despite a slight dip in tourist numbers in June 2006.

Visits by North American visitors in the first half of this year rose 9% to 2.12m, while Western European numbers increased 6% to 9.8m.

The amount spent by foreign visitors during their trips to the UK rose 6% to £6.6bn in the first half of this year.

The ONS also announced that UK residents made 31.5m trips overseas in the first six months of this year - a 4% increase on the January-June 2005 total.

The number of visits by UK residents to North America rose in June 2006 but have fallen 8% in the first half of this year compared with the first six months of 2005.

UK residents spent £15.28bn during their overseas trips in January-June 2006 - 5% more than in the same period last year.

Tom Wright, chief executive of national tourism organisation VisitBritain, said today: "Nearly 15 million international visits is a great start and another record for Britain's visitor economy. However, the industry continues to face challenges and increasing competition from rival destinations.

"If we are to build on this success, we need to continue to woo valuable American and Japanese visitors, explore new markets and ensure that this country offers quality, value for money experiences and an unrivalled welcome."