Britons ‘obsessed with weather’

The UK’s tourism boss has hit out at the country’s “utter obsession” with the weather – insisting people do not come here for beach holidays.

However, Visit Britain chief executive Sandie Dawe also predicted the Olympics would be bathed in sunshine.

Asked at a press conference in London whether the recent heavy rain could undermine benefits from the Games, Ms Dawe replied: “It is only the Brits that have a complete and utter obsession with our weather. The rest of the world are less interested.

“Frankly, people do not come here to lie on a beach. They come for culture, sightseeing … they come all times of the year.”

Ms Dawe said the greenness of Britain was “balm to the eyes” of visitors from the Middle East. “It is never too hot, it is never too cold here to enjoy the attractions,” she added.