London Unveils its Official Guest of Honour as the City Welcomes More International Visitors Than Ever Before

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     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150115/724654 )

The campaign, which has captured the imagination of people across the world, will see 24 year-old US citizen Adaeze Uyanwah travel to London next month to enjoy a once in a lifetime trip, during which she will be hosted by some of the capital's most famous residents at the city's most iconic visitor attractions.

The announcement comes on the day the United Kingdom's Office for National Statistics released new information showing that more international travellers are coming to London and the rest of Great Britain than ever before. Last year a record 16.8 million international visitors came to London but the new figures put the city on course to top this number.

International tourists made nearly 13.5 million trips to the city in the first nine months of 2014, a six per cent increase when compared to the same period in 2013. Visitors to London also spent a record £8.9 billion, an increase of 6.5 per cent on the same period last year.

Total international visits to the United Kingdom are up six per cent (26.4 million) and spend is up four per cent (£16 billion) when comparing the first nine months of 2013 to 2014.

Now, Guest of Honour Adaeze, primary school substitute teacher and freelance creative writer from Palmdale, California, will visit some of London's world famous attractions and immerse herself in the vibrancy and diversity of the city. Visitlondon.com, in partnership with VisitBritain and the UK Government's GREAT Britain campaign, will be rolling out the red carpet for Adaeze who will;

During her two-week stay in London, Adaeze will also be venturing outside of the capital including a trip to Wales.

Adaeze, who will travel to London with her mum, and stay in a luxurious suite at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street, said: "I cannot express how excited and happy I am to be coming to London! Winning this competition feels like a dream come true - like something out of 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory'.

"I have been in love with London and the UK ever since I can remember and I am so grateful that I'm able to bring my mother and share all of these incredible experiences with her - we are beyond excited!"

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "This great prize encompasses everything that makes our city truly outstanding and I hope Adaeze enjoys every second. I look forward to welcoming our Guest of Honour to London and hearing about her science trip with the great Professor Stephen Hawking and tour of our historic corridors of power at the Houses of Parliament."

Over 10,000 people from across the world entered the Guest of Honour competition. They were asked to submit a short film or image, and in 70 words describe their perfect day in London.

Adaeze said: "First, I'd wake up at Buckingham Palace if possible. Then I'd go for a full English breakfast at a traditional English pub. I'd then take a tour of Parliament and see a show in the West End. I'd end the day on the London Eye, overlooking the city. There are so many more things I'd love to do in my favourite city!"

Adaeze will be hosted throughout the break by London & Partners, the Mayor's promotional company, which has worked with partners across the capital to make this dream trip come true.

To find out more go to http://www.visitlondon.com/guest or follow Adaeze's journey live @LondonGuest

Notes to Editors: 

IMAGES AND VIDEO 

A high resolution image of Adaeze and a video of her reaction to the news of her winning is available at

Twitter 

#LondonGuest

@LondonGuest