UKinbound: ‘Tough winter’ ahead for inbound tourism
Travel trade association UKinbound projects international visitor numbers will be down 75% in the run up to Christmas, compared to 2019.
The stark new figures come from a recent survey of its UK tour operators, accommodation providers, and attraction members, undertaken prior to the latest Omicron restrictions.
In 2019 inbound tourism during the November and December period was worth £4.25 billion to the UK economy.
Nearly nine in ten members stated that November/December international arrivals would be lower than 2019 figures.
Of these businesses, four in five stated they expect to be down over 75%, indicating that although many restrictions at UK borders have been removed, the country is not expecting an influx of international visitors pre-Christmas.
The survey also asked if international clients have cancelled a trip to the UK in November/December 2021, and why.
Deferring their visit to 2022 was the top reason given, however the UK’s Covid case rates and testing requirements were all cited.
On average, businesses reported that they expect revenue for 2021 to be down 93% compared to 2019.
Commenting on the results, CEO of UKinbound Joss Croft said “Prior to the announcement of the latest Omicron restrictions, the inbound tourism industry was already facing a tough winter. With annual revenues down 93% and international visitors expected to be down 75% during a critical part of the year, Christmas, businesses are skating on thin ice.”
“Additionally, the latest restrictions have sent shockwaves through our industry. We will need to see what the implications are on travel and health, but inevitably fragile consumer confidence will be dented.”
“Having slipped through the gaps of Covid-19 Government support schemes, the removal of furlough and the latest restrictions, viable, inbound tourism businesses need support.”
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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