Tourism on the rise but still 9% short of 2019 levels

Visits to the UK have increased 112% year-on-year, but is still 9% short of 2019 levels, as tourism continues to return following the pandemic.

The latest Office for National Statistics data has demonstrated that visits to the UK contributed £30b to the country, according to UKHospitality.

The trade body is now calling for measures to make the UK more competitive and attract more visitors to the UK to exceed pre-pandemic levels.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “These figures are really encouraging and show that tourism is making a strong, albeit delayed, recovery from the pandemic.

“The UK is a top destination for foreign visitors, with our superb hospitality offering, culture and extensive history, and these figures show the continued demand to visit.

“However, it is worrying that we still remain almost 10% behind pre-pandemic levels. Our 20% rate of VAT ranks among the highest in Europe and the introduction of tourist taxes in Scotland and Wales will further add to the cost of visiting.

“A reduced rate of VAT for hospitality, leisure and tourism is proven to stimulate demand, both from abroad and domestically, and generate revenue. IIt is the single biggest measure the government can introduce to boost the sector and I would urge them to do just that at the earliest opportunity.”

Photo: faithie/Shutterstock