Sadiq Khan pledges to launch an ‘unprecedented campaign’ to bring visitors back to central London

By Joe Talora, local democracy reporter

Sadiq Khan has pledged to launch an “unprecedented campaign” to bring visitors back to central London if he is re-elected on May 6.

Ahead of planned visits to every London borough in the week leading up to polling day, the current Mayor of London has said his plan to revitalise London’s economy would begin on “day one” if he wins next week’s election.

Earlier this year, Mr Khan announced a £6 million investment to support the safe reopening of central London’s economy, which he has now said will comprise a year-long promotional drive including “prominent events” to attract visitors back to London’s cultural, hospitality and retail venues.

Mr Khan said: “I am determined to build an even brighter future for London after the pandemic – with a relentless focus on jobs, jobs, jobs.

“That is why on day one of my second term I will launch an unprecedented campaign to support London’s economy – to welcome Londoners and visitors back to our city and to support sectors like retail, leisure, hospitality and cultural venues.”

Last year, spending by domestic tourists in central London fell by £3.5 billion while spending by commuters fell by £1.9 billion, with around 300,000 jobs lost as a result of the pandemic.

Sadiq Khan has said he will work with London’s businesses, cultural institutions and visitor attractions to entice visitors back to the capital over the next year.

In addition to planned events, London will play host to eight games in the rescheduled UEFA Euro 2020 tournament this summer, with England set to play all three of their group games in front of around 22,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.

City Hall has also proposed plans to create a temporary fan park at Trafalgar Square that could see up to 12,500 fans gather to watch England’s games, with special events planned between the semi-finals and final in June, which will also take place in London.