ExCeL London has recorded one of its highest-ever seven-day attendances since hosting the 2012 London Olympic Games, underlining the strong resurgence of the live events industry. During the period from April 19 to 26, 2026, the venue welcomed approximately 250,000 visitors, more than double its average weekly footfall.
The milestone was achieved despite four days of Transport for London (TfL) strike action, highlighting both the resilience of the venue and the continued strength of London’s events ecosystem. The week saw the successful delivery of 10 major events, including AWS Summit, TCS London Marathon Running Show, London Card Show, and Retail Technology Show.
The footfall levels were comparable to peak periods when ExCeL hosts flagship events such as World Travel Market and MCM Comic Con. However, the venue’s all-time attendance record still dates back to the 2012 Olympics, when it hosted 13 Olympic and Paralympic competitions, attracting up to 140,000 visitors per day.
Approximately 25% of visitors during the recent seven-day period travelled from overseas, reinforcing London’s position as a leading global destination for business events. Annually, ExCeL London attracts around four million visitors and plays a significant role in the city’s economy. The venue alone contributes an estimated £4.6 billion to London’s business tourism sector and supports around 37,500 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
Commenting on the achievement, Jeremy Rees highlighted the importance of strong connectivity and industry demand, stating that such performance reflects London’s thriving live events sector and the venue’s ambition to become the world’s leading event destination.
The figures also align with recent insights from the Events Industry Alliance, which reported that the UK exhibitions sector reached its highest level in a decade in 2025, contributing approximately £68.7 billion to the national economy.
Looking ahead, ExCeL London is investing further in its future with a multi-million-pound upgrade programme focused on enhancing digital infrastructure, wayfinding, food and beverage offerings, and overall visitor experience, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the global events industry.
