What is the future of tourism in the UK?

Summary – 2023 forecast Our latest inbound forecast for 2023 is 37.5 million visits, 92% of the 2019 level. Inbound visitors are forecast to spend £30.9 billion, 109% of the 2019 level in nominal terms although 90% in real terms (taking inflation into account).



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We've upgraded our 2023 inbound tourism forecast. Visits overall to the UK this year are now forecast to be 37.5 million, 92% of 2019 levels and inbound visitor spending £30.9 billion, up 9%. See the statement from our CEO Patricia Yates below and the full revised forecast here.

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The total contribution of travel and tourism to the UK's GDP increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023. In 2022, there were about 30 million international visits to the UK. It's forecast that the number of visitors to the UK could reach 35.1 million in 2023.

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The challenges related to air travel arose due to a shortage of staff during the pandemic. The reduced availability of people who are essential for air travel operations such as check-ins, security checks, and boarding, created delays throughout the travel process.

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Indeed, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the global travel and tourism sector will reach US$9.5 trillion in 2023 — just 5% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels. The positive summer travel outlook is echoed by data from J.P. Morgan Research.

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Taking into account direct and indirect impacts (including aspects like the supply chain), tourism in England contributes £106 billion to the British economy (GDP) and supports 2.6 million jobs. Looking at direct impacts only, tourism still contributes £48 billion, supporting 1.4 million jobs.

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Taking into account direct and indirect impacts (including aspects like the supply chain), tourism in England contributes £106 billion to the British economy (GDP) and supports 2.6 million jobs. Looking at direct impacts only, tourism still contributes £48 billion, supporting 1.4 million jobs.

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Report highlights. In 2022, the UK was ranked sixth out of 60 nations. The UK saw ranking improvements across many of the dimensions when compared to 2021; tourism retained sixth place, culture moved back up one place to third and people moved up two places to eighth.

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1. Tower of London. The top spot goes to the Tower of London, one of the world's most famous fortresses and home to the priceless Crown Jewels. Built as a royal residence and prison nearly 1,000 years ago, there are some fascinating stories within its walls.

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This is a natural factor reflected in all global migration patterns. But other explanations exist. For example, the fact that English is the national language encourages many migrants to choose the UK because it is an international tongue and easy to learn.

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