London has set a new record after business tourist numbers rose 13 per cent in 2015, reaching 3.7 million business visits.

The 33.000-delegate European Society of Cardiology congress and the European Federation of Periodontology, along with the Rugby World Cup, have been among those events credited with helping grow numbers in the capital.

The total number of visitors passed 30 million, with international visitation rising 7 per cent, up from 28.8 million total visitors (including 3.2 million business visitors) in 2014.

They spent £15 billion, a figure that has grown 35 per cent since 2010. It comes as city operators brace for a bumper year in 2016, with major conferences from the likes of European Society of Anaesthesiology, the European League Against Rheumatology and the European Respiratory Society. Notable tourist draws include the Queen's 90th birthday, along with 400 year celebrations for Shakespeare's legacy.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “It is fantastic that more people than ever before are opting to visit London, to sample the best of our capital and the best of Britain. London has something for everyone and an appeal that clearly extends across the globe.

Gordon Innes, CEO of London & Partners, added: “Millions of people want to come to London from all over the world because the city has an unrivalled mix of culture, art, music, theatre, restaurants and major events. Tourism is a crucial part of the city's economy and we anticipate a significant increase in the number of UK and international visitors for many years to come.”