Why did visitor numbers drop at the London Eye and National Gallery?

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Visitor Numbers Declined Following Paris Attacks Due to Heightened Caution and Travel Advisories

Visitor numbers at several prominent British attractions, including the London Eye and the National Gallery, experienced a notable decrease in the immediate aftermath of the Paris attacks on November 13. This decline is primarily attributed to a heightened sense of caution among potential visitors, compounded by specific travel advisories issued by the French government that led to cancellations, particularly from French school groups.
Impact on High Streets and Major Attractions

On November 14, the day following the Paris atrocities, Britain's high streets collectively saw a 16.7 per cent reduction in footfall when compared to the same day the previous year. Major tourist destinations also reported significant dips; the London Eye recorded a 32.1 per cent decrease in visitors, while the National Gallery experienced a 25.3 per cent drop. Even the British Museum saw a 4.0 per cent decline, indicating a widespread effect across various cultural and retail sites.
Factors Influencing Visitor Caution

The decrease in visitor numbers is largely linked to a general cautiousness that permeated the public following the attacks in Paris. Diane Wehrle, marketing and insights director at Springboard, suggested that this apprehension likely influenced people's willingness to travel to key attractions. This sentiment was also reflected in areas like Covent Garden, which saw a substantial 56.6 per cent visitor decline on a specific Thursday.
Role of Travel Restrictions and Postponed Purchases

An additional contributing factor to the reduced visitor numbers was the cancellation of trips by French visitors, often in response to French government directives advising against travel or school excursions. Furthermore, consultants suggested that consumers might have been postponing purchases, anticipating the upcoming Black Friday sales event on November 27, which has gained significant traction in Britain.

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Why did visitor numbers drop at the London Eye and National Gallery?

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