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
For latest VisitBritain news go to TravelMole.TV at http://www.travelmole.tv/watch_vdo.php?sid=1&id=15147
by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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