How Will Brexit Affect Tourism in the UK?

By Alice Nichols

Brexit has been a topic of discussion for many years, and its impact on various sectors is still under scrutiny. One of the industries that Brexit will undoubtedly impact is tourism in the UK.

The UK has always been a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. However, with Brexit looming, the future of tourism in the UK is uncertain. In this article, we will explore how Brexit will affect tourism in the UK.

What is Brexit?

Before diving into the effects of Brexit on tourism in the UK, let’s first understand what Brexit means. Brexit is a term used to describe Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU).

On June 23rd, 2016, over half of UK citizens voted to leave the EU. After years of negotiations and discussions, Britain officially left the EU on January 31st, 2020.

How Will Brexit Affect Tourism in the UK?

Brexit has caused significant uncertainty and confusion regarding travel to and from the UK. Here are some ways that it may affect tourism:

Visa Requirements

One possible impact that Brexit may have on tourism is visa requirements for travelers. Currently, citizens of EU countries can travel to and from the UK without a visa.

However, after Brexit comes into effect fully, it might change. The government may introduce new visa requirements for EU citizens traveling to the UK.

This could make it harder for tourists from EU countries to visit the UK as they would need to apply for a visa beforehand.

Currency Exchange Rates

Another way that Brexit may impact tourism in the UK is through currency exchange rates. Since Britain left the EU, there has been volatility in exchange rates between GBP (Great British Pound) and other currencies such as USD (United States Dollar) or EUR (Euro).

If GBP continues to weaken against other currencies, it may become more expensive for visitors to travel to the UK, making it less attractive as a tourist destination.

Changes in Flight Prices

Brexit may also have an impact on flight prices. Since the UK has left the EU, airlines may face additional costs when flying between the EU and UK. They might pass these costs on to customers by increasing ticket prices.

This could lead to a decrease in tourism as visitors may choose cheaper destinations to travel to instead of the UK.

Changes in Border Controls

Another possible impact that Brexit may have on tourism is through changes in border controls. The UK is likely to introduce stricter border controls after Brexit comes into effect fully.

This could lead to longer waiting times at airports for tourists, making it less attractive as a tourist destination.

Conclusion

Brexit has undoubtedly created uncertainty and confusion regarding tourism in the UK. The tourism industry is one of the significant contributors to the country’s economy. Therefore, it is essential to take steps that will minimize any negative impact of Brexit on this sector.

While some changes are inevitable, such as stricter border controls and changes in visa requirements, there are still steps that can be taken to mitigate their effects. The UK government needs to work closely with the travel industry and other stakeholders towards ensuring that tourists continue visiting the country despite Brexit.