Royal fans boost London tourism and help struggling U.K. economy
LONDON — Royal fans have poured into the heart of London to experience the flag-lined roads, pomp-filled processions and, above all, brave a mileslong line for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to bid adieu to Queen Elizabeth II. And while they’re here, they’re packing hotels, restaurants and shops.
Visitors crowding into central London from as far away as the U.S. and India for the historic moment are giving a boost to businesses at a time when the British economy is facing a cost-of-living crisis fueled by the highest inflation in four decades and predictions of a looming recession.
“This is the history, you know, this happens once in the lifetime,” said Kanakkantt Benedict, who was visiting from India with his wife and filed past the queen’s flagdraped coffin this week. “So we became a part of it.”
Hundreds of thousands are expected to pay tribute to the queen in the four days that her body lies in state ahead of her state funeral Monday, pushing up demand for hotel rooms in central London that in some cases have doubled in price.
Hundreds of world leaders, from U.S. President Joe Biden to Japan’s emperor and empress, plus their entourages need places to stay as they arrive for the queen’s funeral. So do police officers coming from around Britain to help with security.
Occupancy levels could reach an all-time high of 95%, according to London-based group-booking platform Hotelplanner.com.
“That’s not surprising when you consider that the eyes of the world really are on the capital and the media, dignitaries and members of the public ... who just want to be part of such a historic occasion,” said Thomas Emanuel, senior director of hotel analytics firm STR.