Overseas tourists are eschewing the traditional new year hunt for the sun in favour of a trip to the wet and windy British Isles.

Many are even braving the journey to Scotland during the winter months and forecasts suggest the UK tourism industry is heading towards a boom.

Tourism bosses are optimistic about the year ahead. Latest forecasts from VisitBritain, which promotes tourism to the country, show that inbound visitor numbers are expected to hit 39.5 million this year — up from 37.8 million in 2023.

The Cavern Club in Liverpool is one of the highlights for overseas tourists

STUART HOMER PHOTOGRAPHY

The figures for this year represent a 97 per cent return to pre-Covid levels. Official figures show that 40.9 million inbound tourists visited in 2019, a record year.

Arbikie Distillery, in Angus, has seen visitors “from across the globe”