TORONTO — VisitBritain has reported strong growth in visitation from Canada, with 406,000 Canadians making a trip to the U.K. between January and June 2019.

This represents an 11% increase over the same period in 2018, and £380 million in spending across the U.K. during the first six months of the year.

According to the tourism agency, there was particularly strong growth in visits from Canada from April to June, with 277,000 visits, up 17% over the same period in 2018 and setting a new record for quarter two.

“2019 is off to an exceptional start for Canadian inbound tourism to the U.K.,” said Gavin Landry, VisitBritain Executive Vice President. “These strong numbers show how much Canadians enjoy exploring the culture, heritage, cities and countryside of Britain. With its connections of family and friends, Britain is a favourite destination for Canadians.”

Landry also noted that feedback from tour operators show that numbers are “better than ever”, which the agency largely attributes to the current exchange rate.

“Canadians see value for money and it is a great time to visit the U.K., particularly in the off-season, when favourite attractions are less crowded and your dollar goes further,” he added.

Since May this year, Canadians can use ePassport gates to gain easier and faster entry in to the U.K.

Last year, Canadians made 850,000 visits to the U.K., and spend a record £675 million. Tourism is worth £127 billion annually to the U.K. economy.