UK tourism spending ‘worth just half of pre-pandemic level’

BBC: UK tourism is set for a slow recovery from the pandemic, with spending by holidaymakers this year expected to be just half the level of 2019.

Forecasts by the VisitBritain agency indicate that domestic tourism will be worth £51.4 billion in 2021, down from £91.6 billion two years ago.

Its forecast for spending by foreign tourists in the UK is £6.2 billion, less than a quarter of the £28.4 billion in 2019.
The predictions come as the UK tourism chiefs prepare for a summit on Tuesday.

VisitBritain and VisitEngland are bringing industry leaders together - some in person, some virtually - to discuss priorities for helping the sector to recover and rebuild.

Last year, the domestic tourism industry shrank by about two-thirds as coronavirus restrictions forced the cancellation or postponement of millions of people’s travel plans. According to the tourism industry, that represented a £58 billion loss to the economy.

Despite the gloomy forecasts for this year, tourism analysts have predicted that demand for UK holidays is likely to outstrip supply this summer, with many holidaymakers unable or unwilling to brave foreign travel amid continuing restrictions.

Last week, the tourism agency launched a £5 million campaign entitled Escape the Everyday - Enjoy the UK this Summer.

The campaign is aimed at boosting domestic demand, with a focus on cities and city visitor attractions, as well as on areas that have been particularly hard hit by the lack of international visitors.

“Britain’s tourism industry is a huge driver of our economy but has faced many challenges over the past year,” said Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston.

“We’ve provided more than £25 billion in support and I have been impressed by VisitBritain/VisitEngland and the wider sector for its agile and innovative response, coming up with new ways to provide hospitality and entertainment while maintaining social distancing and protecting people’s safety.”

British Tourist Authority Chairman Lord Patrick McLoughlin said the sector had faced “an unprecedented challenge” during the pandemic.

“Tourism is a critical industry for our country, delivering jobs and economic growth across the nations and regions and strengthening our place on the world stage,” he added.

Lord McLoughlin said that government’s support measures, including the furlough scheme, the VAT cut for hospitality businesses and the business rates holiday, had been “a lifeline”, helping many businesses survive and keeping people in jobs.