British government figures show the number of tourists visiting the UK has plunged following the September 11th attacks.
Holidaymakers visiting the UK fell by 31 per cent in October compared to the same time last year, seasonally-adjusted figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed.
Tourist numbers fell by 234,000, from 720,000 to 486,000 between October 2000 and October 2001.
Trips overseas by UK residents rose by one per cent during the August to October period.
British Culture Secretary Ms Tessa Jowell said: "We know that recent world events have deterred many from taking holidays abroad and some British tourism businesses have been hit."
But she insisted there was still hope for the UK tourism industry.
"In some parts of Britain, businesses are recording good trade and there are very encouraging signs for next year.
She added: "Since September 11th we have worked very closely with the industry to address the immediate problems and long-term issues."
Only 103,000 North American tourists arrived in Britain in October, down from 169,000 in October 2000, the non-seasonally adjusted figures showed.
The number of Western European visitors also fell sharply from 374,000 last October to 272,000.
Tourist from other parts of the world fell by 65,000 from October 2000 to 112,000.
PA