What Percentage of UK Economy Is Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Tourism plays a vital role in the economic growth of the UK. The country is home to diverse tourist attractions, ranging from historic landmarks to scenic countryside and bustling cities.

But what percentage of the UK economy is tourism? Let’s explore this question in detail.

Understanding the Tourism Industry

Before we dive into the numbers, let’s first understand what constitutes the tourism industry. In simple terms, tourism refers to any activity that involves people traveling to a place outside their usual environment for leisure or business purposes. This includes accommodation, transportation, food and beverage services, and entertainment activities.

How is Tourism Measured?

To determine the contribution of tourism to an economy, economists use a metric called Tourism Satellite Account (TSA). TSA measures the direct and indirect impact of tourism on an economy.

Direct impact refers to the money spent by tourists on goods and services within a destination. Indirect impact includes spending on goods and services by businesses supporting the tourism industry.

What Percentage of UK Economy is Tourism?

According to a report by VisitBritain, in 2019, tourism contributed £106 billion ($146 billion) to the UK economy. This accounted for 5% of total GDP (Gross Domestic Product). The same report states that in 2018, there were 38 million inbound visits to the UK, with visitors spending £24 billion ($33 billion) during their stay.

Furthermore, tourism in the UK supports over 2 million jobs directly or indirectly. This makes it one of the largest employers in the country.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global tourism, including the UK. In 2020, international arrivals fell by 76%, resulting in a loss of £58 billion ($80 billion) in revenue for the UK economy.

However, with the vaccine rollout and easing of travel restrictions, the UK tourism industry is expected to rebound in the coming years. VisitBritain predicts that by 2025, tourism will contribute £257 billion ($354 billion) to the UK economy, accounting for 10% of GDP.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tourism plays a significant role in the UK economy. It contributes billions of pounds to GDP and provides employment opportunities for millions of people.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on the industry, there are signs of recovery. With proper planning and investment, the UK tourism industry can continue to thrive and contribute to economic growth.