VisitBritain publishes inbound tourism forecast

ON 20 December 2023 VisitBritain published its tourism forecast for 2024 showing an increase in inbound visits and spend overall to the UK compared to 2023 levels, although with varying rates of recovery and growth across its major inbound visitor markets.

VisitBritain's overall forecast for spending by international visitors in the UK in 2024 is £34.1 billion, up 7% on the spending predicted in 2023 and up 20% on 2019, although 96% of 2019 levels when adjusted for inflation.

Looking at the number of visits to the UK, 39.5 million visits are forecast, up 5% on the 37.8 million expected in 2023 however still 3% shy of 2019 levels.

The United States (US) continues to lead tourism's recovery with record breaking spend by American visitors in the UK in 2023, up 28% on 2019 based on latest figures even when adjusted for inflation. VisitBritain is expecting the US market to be worth £6.7 billion in 2024 with American visitors contributing almost £1 in every £5 of all inbound spending.

The pace of recovery from Europe slowed as 2023 progressed with spending, in real terms, remaining just below 2019 based on the latest data.

China, the UK's 2nd most valuable inbound market in 2019, has continued to build back with visitor numbers increasing throughout 2023, although overall East Asia has been relatively slower to recover. VisitBritain is expecting China to recover to a value of £1.7 billion in 2024 to be the UK's fourth most valuable inbound visitor market.

VisitBritain is predicting that inbound tourism, both the number of visits and spending by international visitors, will recover to 2019 levels by early 2025.

VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates said:- "International visitors spend tens of billions of pounds in the UK with the money generated supporting local economies and jobs, so it has been great to see the double digit growth in spending from the US as well as the overall growth forecast for next year on 2023. We have however seen a slow down in the overall pace of recovery compared to the strong start seen in the 1st half of 2023 and we face fierce competition from our European neighbours. To drive spending to Britain our international campaigns will remain focused on those markets showing strong growth, including Australia and the US, and we'll continue to compete hard in our major European markets and the valuable Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. We also want more destinations across Britain to feel tourism's economic benefits. Our global GREAT Britain campaigns are showcasing our vibrant cities, contemporary culture and beautiful coast and countryside, inspiring visitors to discover more of Britain, stay longer and to come now."

VisitBritain's GREAT Britain marketing campaigns in 2024 are set to run across:- Australia, France, Germany, the GCC and the US, inspiring visitors to:- 'See Things Differently' by showing fresh and exciting experiences, alongside a warm British welcome.

VisitBritain's research shows that one of the biggest drivers for visitors globally in choosing a destination is that it is a welcoming place to visit.

Its campaigns in 2024 are also harnessing the power of screen tourism to showcase Britain's regional diversity, highlighting film and TV locations, destinations and visitor experiences to drive visits. VisitBritain's research shows that films and TV are powerful motivators for travel while Expedia Group's latest:- 'set jetting' forecast showed that more than half of international travellers said TV shows and films inspire their travel plans. VisitBritain has recently signed a:- 'Memorandum of Understanding' with the British Film Commission to boost screen tourism throughout the UK's Nations and Regions.

As well as its global campaigns VisitBritain continues to work with partners in market, including:- British Airways in the US and Wego in the GCC, to convert the interest to visit Britain into bookings now. Its work with international trade also ensures British products and destinations are sold internationally.

Tourism is one of Britain's most successful industries, its 3rd largest service export and a major part of British trade.

For destination inspiration to:- 'See Things Differently' in Britain in 2024 see:- VisitBritain.Com, and for VisitBritain's 2024 annual events calendar please see:- VisitBritain.Com/en/Annual-Events-Britain.

Damien Moore MP welcomes Neil Walsh of The Windmill Pub to No. 10 as Southport's Local Community Safety Champion

LOCAL Member of Parliament for Southport, Damien Moore, welcomes The Windmill Pub Landlord Neil Walsh to Downing Street, in recognition of his substantial contribution to community safety for Southport's community and night time economy.

Successively shortlisted as pub of the year, runner-up for Southport's BID Your Southport Stars Award, winner of the Most Inclusive Local Pub Award in the Liverpool Region, and volunteer for the National Pubwatch; Neil's continued work in our community has significantly improved safety in the area for both residents and visitors to Southport.

Established in 1997, the National Pubwatch scheme is an active voluntary organisation that supports patron safety, site security, and alcohol related crime reduction initiatives, aiming to promote social led drinking safety in all licensed night time premises throughout Southport and the broader UK economy.

Member of Parliament for Southport, Damien Moore, said:- "It was a pleasure to welcome Neil Walsh, Landlord of The Windmill Pub, to No. 10 Downing Street as Southport's Local Community Safety Champion. On behalf of Southport's residents, communities, and hospitality sector, I would like to thank Neil for his tireless service to our community, keeping our residents safe while promoting our fantastic service to the hospitality sector and night time economy. This was a a great opportunity to demonstrate Neil's substantial achievements to the Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat MP; exemplifying the power of local community engagement and cooperation in ensuring Southport's continued prosperity and economic recovery."

Security Minister, Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP said:- "Neil Walsh is a real local champion, looking out for all those in Southport. Alongside Damien Moore MP, it was a real honour to meet police officers, members of local community groups and organisations from across the country who serve to keep our communities safe. It is their vital work and commitment which is helping tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and offer victims the support they need."