London Mayor Sadiq Khan travels to US to boost London's tourism

The Mayor will start his trip in New York before making his way to San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Los Angeles.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Khan said that he also hopes to use the trip to attract investment to the capital and to discuss pandemic recovery with senior politicians.

As London was hit hard by the pandemic, losing £7.4 billion on international tourist spending in 2020 alone. 

London is an unrivalled location to visit and invest in. I’m excited to take this message to New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles this week, and showcase our amazing city to America.

Thank you for taking me to NYC safely, @United. pic.twitter.com/jP5uuWxK8W

— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) May 8, 2022

During his trip to the States, the Mayor will launch his new £10 million tourism campaign in New York alongside the city's mayor Eric Adams. 

He will then meet representatives from Google and LinkedIn in San Francisco, before travelling to Los Angeles to promote London’s film industry.

Sadiq Khan told PA that London has had a “horrible” two years.

“What’s really important is that we encourage international tourists back to our city. We will encourage tourists, we will encourage business, we will encourage investment”, he said.

Adding that: “We are the greatest city in the world, but we have had a horrible two years.

“The lack of tourists in 2020 meant we lost about £7 billion.

“We want them back, we need them back.”