The UK’s most popular provider of hotel management software roomMaster, NFS Technology Group, has responded to newly released figures showing that the first half of 2014 saw the highest tourism figures for tourism since records started.

The data was released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and show that the number of inbound visitors from January to June of this numbered 16.4 million – an 8 percent rise on last year’s figures.

Arrivals had also increased by 10 percent, with 3.18 million said to have visited Britain, the majority of which were here on holiday as opposed to business. The jump in figures is said to be the result of more Europeans holidaying in Britain.

While 11.38 million visitors came from other EU countries, only 1.1 million travelled from non-EU European nations, with a further 1.57 million visiting from North America, with the rest of the world accounting for 2.28 million visits.

However, despite a record number of visitors in the first 6 months of 2014, the amount of money being spent by foreign tourists has seen a slight fall, which means that while visitors were up, relative economic gains were not recorded.

Head of research and forecasting at VisitBritain, David Edwards, said:

“Tourism is an essential part of the wider success of our economy and these first six months have set us up for what could be another record year for inbound tourism.

“It’s also hugely positive to see growth both from our high volume European markets and also emerging markets across Asia and Latin America.”

Minister for Tourism, Helen Grant, said that the figures show “the government’s tourism strategy is working.”

NFS Technology Group, a supplier of roomMaster, the hospitality industry’s leading hotel management system, frequently comments on industry relevant news. A spokesperson for the company said:

“What these figures show is that competition is on the increase within the hospitality sector, with more people than ever coming to our shores and spending their money in our bustling hotels, making it as important as ever to have a software system which will allow you to deliver a superior level of service to customers. roomMaster is one such system.

“With roomMaster, regardless of how popular your hotel is with Britons and international tourists alike, you’ll have the easy-to-use tools needed to provide a seamless, professional service. And that’s why thousands of customers in the United Kingdom choose NFS Technology Group when in need of a modern room booking management solution.”

To learn more about roomMaster and the many benefits that it provides to hundreds of British companies within the hospitality sector, visit www.roommaster2000.co.uk or contact NFS Technology Group for more information.