10:19am UK, Friday July 22, 2005

Tourist chiefs predict that overseas travellers to London will share the same defiance to terrorism already displayed by those living in the capital.

"We don't expect this to result in a downturn in tourists to London," said Frances Tuke, of the Association of British Travel Agents, which is represented on the Travel Industry Emergency Response Group.

180 buckingham palace

Visitors 'should still come'

"Following the July 7 incidents, there has been no noticeable reduction in visitors to London or in forward bookings.

"From what we have heard, overseas visitors are being very defiant towards the terrorists, matching the mood of Londoners themselves. We expect this defiance to continue."

Ms Tuke said tourist chiefs were still predicting a record year for the number of overseas visits to the UK.

Michael Cassidy, the president of the London Chamber of Commerce, said the attacks would affect business.

He said the hotel industry in particular was looking "somewhat gloomy", although the financial sector was "pretty robust".

He said visitors should still come to London.

"People are resilient and they will carry on and defy these attacks," he said.

"This is a world-class city, it is a huge magnet for the world and I don't think this is going to be enough to put off visitors in large numbers."