Tourism: statistics and policy
Inbound and outbound visits to and from the UK were at their highest recorded level in 2024. 2024 was also the first year since the covid-19 pandemic that visitor numbers exceeded 2019 levels.
Inbound and outbound visits to and from the UK were at their highest recorded level in 2024. 2024 was also the first year since the covid-19 pandemic that visitor numbers exceeded 2019 levels.
The Office for National Statistics estimated that tourism directly accounted for £58 billion of economic output and supported 1.2 million jobs in 2023.
Overseas tourismIn 2024 overseas residents made 42.5 million visits to the UK, compared to 38.0 million visits in 2023.
The USA, France, Germany and Ireland were the top countries for visitors to Great Britain. Overseas residents spent, in cash terms, £32.5 billion in Great Britain in 2024, compared to £31.1 billion in 2023.
UK residents made 94.6 million trips overseas in 2024, compared to 86.2 million in 2023. The most popular countries were Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, and the USA.
Domestic tourismIn 2024, British residents made 105.6 million overnight visits within Great Britain, for a total of 308 million nights, and spent £32.9 billion. UK residents made 3.0 million overnight visits within Northern Ireland.
Residents of Great Britain also made 1.0 billion tourism day visits, spending £54.8 billion. As such, domestic tourism spending is more valuable than inbound spending.
Domestic tourism is less focused on London than international tourism.
Economic impactIn 2023, tourism was estimated to account directly for £58 billion (2.4%) of economic output.
Tourism was estimated to directly account for the employment of 1.2 million UK workers in 2019, 3.9% of all workers.
Recent issues and government policyEnergy price inflation has disproportionately affected hospitality businesses, and the rising cost of living has reduced consumer demand for travel. Employment costs have increased, with increases to the National Minimum Wage and employer national insurance contributions.
The pound has lost value against the euro and dollar. However, the government has ended VAT-free shopping, removed European ID cards as sufficient ID to enter the UK, and implemented an electronic travel authorisation for visitors who do not require a visa.
Tourism is a devolved policy area. The government has set an ambition for visitor numbers to the UK to reach 50 million by 2030, and has established a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council to work with industry on tourism. The government plans to publish a tourism growth strategy.