Football star David Beckham has been credited with style-setting fashion firsts from mohican hairdos to men's sarongs. And now the British Tourist Authority says he is also one reason behind another trend – an increase in visitors to the UK.
The BTA predicts that tourism in 2002 is up three percent on the previous year – a boost due in part to the famous footballer's global popularity. "David Beckham is a great ambassador for Britain and a huge draw for people coming to this country," said a spokesperson.
And it seems that after David's stunning peformance in the World Cup this year, his Japanese followers are especially keen to take in the sights of the UK. Fans who rushed to pick up number seven England and Manchester United shirts and got copycat haircuts last summer, are now jumping at the chance to visit their idol's home country. "Beckham fever continues to reign supreme," declared the BTA representative.
However, it's not just the hunky athlete's sporting skills that attract attention – "(David) is also well known there because of his fashion sense, and the Japanese are very into fashion," the BTA pointed out.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
