By Press Association Published: 17:45 EDT, 10 December 2017 | Updated: 17:45 EDT, 10 December 2017 Thousands more Chinese tourists are set to visit the UK under Government plans to increase the number of flights from the country by 50%. The maximum of 100 passenger flights per week that can operate between Britain and China, is set to increase to 150. Chinese tourists are some of the highest spenders in Britain, staying longer and travelling more than visitors from other countries, according to the Department for Transport. Britain has boosted the number of flights from China in preparation for Brexit (Steve Parsons/PA) Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “These agreements are an important part of preparing Britain for a post-Brexit world and making sure we have access to key markets in the Far East, and they come at a time when our exports are growing and we continue to attract international investment. “It just underlines that Britain will do well regardless of the outcome of the Brexit negotiations. “The whole Government is working to secure the best possible future relationship with the EU, and great progress has been made his week, but no one should believe that Britain’s future success depends on decisions taken in Brussels.” The number of Chinese tourists who visited the UK rocketed during the first half of this year, after the flight limit was increased from 40 per week to 100 in October 2016, the Department for Transport said. Between January and June, 115,000 visits were made from China to the UK, a rise of 47% on the same period last year. Spending also increased to £231 million, up 54%, according to figures. Advertisement
The UK government is to allow 50% more flights from China as it further taps the lucrative Chinese tourism market. Chinese visits to the UK surged 47% in the first half of 2017 after inbound flights were more than doubled last October. But there are concerns that this will lead to a surge in air pollution and could damage Britain’s reputation for clean air. "These agreements are an important part of preparing Britain for a post-Brexit world and making sure we have access to key markets in the Far East," said Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. The number of flights from China will increase to 150 a week from 100.