Visits from overseas tourists to London have hit record numbers, according to the latest International Passenger Survey (IPS) figures.

During the first quarter of 2013, 3.4m tourists came to London, a 4.2 per cent boost on the same period in 2012.

Expenditure over the same period saw a significant increase - reaching £2.1bn during the quarter - meaning London has seen increased expenditure from overseas visitors for seven consecutive quarters.

London Mayor, Boris Johnson, said: "Last year saw the best sights and scenes of the capital beamed to audiences of billions across the globe, helping to promote this city as an unbeatable holiday destination."

Johnson also hailed the figures as a "welcome indication of how London has benefited" from the exposure of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The release of the IPS figures follows on from the recent release of the London Attractions Monitor, which has seen a 13.8 percent increase in attendance at tourist destinations in London between March and May of 2013.