Some hope, but more worries for inbound operators
The slump in the value of sterling against the dollar and reduced oil prices have provided glimmers of hope to hard-pressed UK inbound tour operators.
But the “onerous” procedure of applying for a visa to visit the UK from countries such as China and Russia is making travellers from those countries consider alternative destinations in Europe.
Trade organisation UKinbound said it would persist in lobbying government on issues such as biometric visas as market conditions continue to become tougher.
Monthly statistics compiled through an online poll of members found a “surprising†1.2% increase in visitor numbers to the UK in August over the same month last year plus a marginal rise in forward bookings, the first since April.
The increases were attributed to the resilience of group bookings, particularly from other EU nations, with many travellers making use of the pound’s weakness against the euro, the organisation said.
“However, 2008 has overall been a disappointing year for inbound tourism and many of our members are worried at what 2009 could bring,†UKinbound said.
The weakening pound against the US dollar has brought some good news, with anecdotal evidence suggesting that some US agents are referring the UK to their customers as an affordable destination.
But the reality of the current economic climate and the build up to the US presidential election will probably mean fewer Americans travelling long haul.
The other ray of light is falling fuel prices which has led to some airlines reducing fuel surcharges. Yet any significant boost to passenger numbers looks unlikely in the short term, UKinbound predicted.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11