14 September 2009

VisitBritain report shows impact of recession on inbound tourism

The number of trips to Britain could fall by as much as 5% in 2009, according to a report by VisitBritain.

In its annual review for 2008/09, the tourism body said business travel was particularly vulnerable.

"In addition, airlines face a particularly challenging period, being
held back by fragile demand and the spectre of burgeoning oil prices once again," said chairman Christopher Rodrigues.

"It is therefore critical that we continue to keep a close eye on international travel trends over the coming months."

The report said the global recession started to hit inbound tourism towards the end of 2008, and in the first six months of 2009 there was a 9% decline in inbound visitors.

"Business and corporate travel are worst affected," it said. "But leisure travel has bucked the trend, with inbound holiday visits up 4% in the first half of the year.

"Of course, the weak pound and the relative strength of the dollar and euro presented us with a great opportunity to focus on ‘value’. "

VisitBritain outlined its strategy to support the continued prosperity of the tourism industry.

It said there were four areas of focus:

• To inspire travellers from overseas to visit and explore Britain
• To deliver a global network to support tourism promotion overseas
• To champion tourism and engage industry and Government in support of its growth
• To maximise the tourism legacy benefits of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games