Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of the United Kingdom. The country is home to various attractions, including historic landmarks, cultural sites, scenic landscapes, and diverse cities. In this article, we will explore how much tourism is worth to the UK and its impact on the economy.
Overview of Tourism in the UK
According to Visit Britain, the official tourism website for the UK, the country welcomed over 40 million international visitors in 2019. These tourists spent a total of £28.4 billion during their visits to the UK. This figure represents a 7% increase compared to 2018.
The Economic Impact of Tourism
Tourism contributes significantly to the economy of the United Kingdom. It supports various industries such as transportation, hotels, restaurants, and retail. Additionally, it generates job opportunities and tax revenue for local governments.
According to research conducted by Oxford Economics on behalf of Visit Britain, tourism supported approximately 3.1 million jobs in the UK in 2019. This number accounted for almost 10% of all jobs in the country.
The Value of Domestic Tourism
Domestic tourism also plays a significant role in supporting the UK economy. In 2019, domestic tourists made over 100 million overnight trips within the country and spent a total of £23 billion.
This figure highlights how important it is for local attractions and businesses to appeal not only to international visitors but also domestic ones.
Future Outlook
Despite challenges faced by Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on travel and tourism worldwide during 2020-21 period; there are positive signs that show that people are eager to travel again as restrictions ease up globally.
Visit Britain has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting tourism in the UK once again when health guidelines allow it; including ‘Escape The Everyday’ campaign that encourages people throughout England to take a break or day trip, and the ‘Good To Go’ industry standard in partnership with various tourism organizations, which highlights businesses and attractions that have put new measures in place to maintain the safety and health of visitors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tourism is a vital part of the UK economy. It generates billions of pounds in revenue and supports millions of jobs.
As travel restrictions ease up worldwide, there are positive signs for a rebound in tourism activities. The UK remains an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world with its rich history, diverse culture, scenic landscapes, shopping destinations and bustling cities; all of which make it a popular choice for visitors seeking unique experiences that can be found nowhere else.