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Travel and tourism in the United Kingdom - statistics & facts

How many tourists visit the uk, travel planning and behavior of british tourists, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in the UK 2019-2022

Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by type

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in the UK 2019-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2002-2022

Destinations

Leading UK cities for international tourism 2019-2022, by visits

Leading outbound travel destinations from the UK 2019-2022

Related topics

Recommended.

• Hotel industry in the UK
• Travel agencies in the United Kingdom (UK)
• Travel and tourism in Europe
• Vacation travel behavior in the United Kingdom (UK)
• Package holidays in the United Kingdom (UK)

Recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in the UK 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by type
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by tourist type
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in the UK 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Median full-time salary in tourism and hospitality industries in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic CPI inflation rate of travel and tourism services in the UK 2023

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in the UK 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022 (in billion GBP)

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by type

Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by tourist type

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by type of tourist

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in the UK 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022 (in million jobs)

Median full-time salary in tourism and hospitality industries in the UK 2023

Median annual gross salary for full-time workers in tourism and hospitality industries in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2023, by industry (in GBP)

CPI inflation rate of travel and tourism services in the UK 2023

Consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate of travel and tourism services in the United Kingdom (UK) from May to December 2023

Inbound tourism

• Basic Statistic Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2002-2022
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2019-2022, by purpose of trip
• Basic Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2019-2022, by number of visits
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google
• Premium Statistic Number of overnight stays by inbound tourists in the UK 2004-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2024
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets for the UK 2019-2022, by spending
• Premium Statistic Leading UK cities for international tourism 2019-2022, by visits

Number of overseas resident visits to the United Kingdom (UK) from 2002 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 and 2024 (in millions)

Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2019-2022, by purpose of trip

Number of overseas resident visits to the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022, by purpose of trip (in millions)

Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2019-2022, by number of visits

Leading inbound travel markets for the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by number of visits (in 1,000s)

Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google

Leading inbound travel markets in the United Kingdom (UK) over the previous 30 and 90 days as of June 2023, ranked by growth in travel demand on Google

Number of overnight stays by inbound tourists in the UK 2004-2022

Number of nights spent by overseas residents in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2004 to 2022 (in millions)

International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2024

Spending of international visitors to the United Kingdom from 2004 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 and 2024 (in billion GBP)

Leading inbound travel markets for the UK 2019-2022, by spending

Leading inbound travel markets for the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by spending (in million GBP)

Cities and towns in the United Kingdom (UK) ranked by international visits in 2019 and 2022 (in 1,000 visits)

Outbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourist visits from the UK 2007-2022
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourism visits from the UK 2019-2022, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Leading outbound travel destinations from the UK 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Leading outbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google
• Premium Statistic Number of outbound overnight stays by UK residents 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourism expenditure in the UK 2007-2022

Number of outbound tourist visits from the UK 2007-2022

Total number of visits abroad from the United Kingdom (UK) from 2007 to 2022 (in millions)

Outbound tourism visits from the UK 2019-2022, by purpose

Number of visits abroad from the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022, by purpose (in millions)

Leading countries visited by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022 (in 1,000 visits)

Leading outbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google

Leading outbound travel markets in the United Kingdom (UK) over the previous 30 and 90 days as of June 2023, ranked by growth in travel demand on Google

Number of outbound overnight stays by UK residents 2011-2022

Number of overnight stays abroad by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Outbound tourism expenditure in the UK 2007-2022

Total expenditure on visits abroad from the United Kingdom (UK) from 2007 to 2022 (in million GBP)

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourism trips in Great Britain 2018-2022, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2023, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Number of tourism day visits in Great Britain 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Total domestic travel expenditure in Great Britain 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Expenditure on domestic day trips in Great Britain 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Average spend on domestic summer holidays in the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2023

Domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2010-2022

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain from 2010 to 2022 (in millions)

Domestic tourism trips in Great Britain 2018-2022, by purpose

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain from 2018 to 2022, by purpose (in millions)

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2023, by destination type

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain in 2023, by destination type (in millions)

Number of tourism day visits in Great Britain 2011-2022

Number of tourism day visits in Great Britain from 2011 to 2022 (in billions)

Total domestic travel expenditure in Great Britain 2019-2022

Total domestic tourism spending in Great Britain from 2019 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

Domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain 2010-2022

Annual domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain from 2010 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

Expenditure on domestic day trips in Great Britain 2011-2022

Annual expenditure on domestic tourism day visits in Great Britain from 2011 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

Average spend on domestic summer holidays in the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2023

Average spend on 'staycation' summer holidays according to Britons in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2023 (in GBP)

Accommodation

• Premium Statistic Number of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of accommodation enterprises in the United Kingdom (UK) 2018-2021, by type
• Premium Statistic Turnover of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021
• Premium Statistic Turnover of accommodation services in the United Kingdom (UK) 2015-2021, by sector
• Premium Statistic Number of hotel businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021
• Basic Statistic Most popular hotel brands in the UK Q3 2023
• Premium Statistic Consumer expenditure on accommodation in the UK 2005-2022

Number of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021

Number of enterprises in the accommodation industry in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2008 to 2021

Number of accommodation enterprises in the United Kingdom (UK) 2018-2021, by type

Number of enterprises in the accommodation industry in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2018 to 2021, by sector

Turnover of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021

Turnover of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2008 to 2021 (in million GBP)

Turnover of accommodation services in the United Kingdom (UK) 2015-2021, by sector

Turnover of accommodation services in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2015 to 2021, by type (in million GBP)

Number of hotel businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021

Number of hotel and similar accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2008 to 2021

Most popular hotel brands in the UK Q3 2023

Most popular hotel brands in the United Kingdom (UK) in 3rd quarter of 2023

Consumer expenditure on accommodation in the UK 2005-2022

Consumer spending on accommodation in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2005 to 2022 (in million GBP)

Travel behavior

• Premium Statistic Attitudes towards traveling in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel frequency for private purposes in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel frequency for business purposes in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic Share of Britons taking days of holiday 2019-2023, by number of days
• Premium Statistic Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by gender
• Premium Statistic Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by age
• Premium Statistic Leading regions for summer staycations in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic Preferred methods to book the next overseas holiday in the UK October 2022, by age
• Premium Statistic Travel product bookings in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel product online bookings in the UK 2023

Attitudes towards traveling in the UK 2023

Attitudes towards traveling in the UK as of December 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in the UK 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in the UK as of December 2023

Travel frequency for business purposes in the UK 2023

Travel frequency for business purposes in the UK as of December 2023

Share of Britons taking days of holiday 2019-2023, by number of days

Share of individuals taking days of holiday in the United Kingdom from July 2019 to May 2023, by number of days

Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by gender

Share of individuals who did not take any days of holiday in the United Kingdom from July 2019 to November 2023, by gender

Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by age

Share of individuals who did not take any days of holidays in the United Kingdom (UK) from July 2019 to November 2023, by age

Leading regions for summer staycations in the UK 2023

Leading regions for travelers' next summer staycation in the United Kingdom as of May 2023

Preferred methods to book the next overseas holiday in the UK October 2022, by age

Preferred methods to book the next overseas holiday among individuals in the United Kingdom (UK) as of October 2022, by age group

Travel product bookings in the UK 2023

Travel product bookings in the UK as of December 2023

Travel product online bookings in the UK 2023

Travel product online bookings in the UK as of December 2023

• Premium Statistic Travel & Tourism market revenue in the United Kingdom 2018-2028, by segment
• Premium Statistic Travel & Tourism market revenue growth in the UK 2019-2028, by segment
• Premium Statistic Revenue forecast in selected countries in the Travel & Tourism market in 2024
• Premium Statistic Number of users of package holidays in the UK 2018-2028
• Premium Statistic Number of users of hotels in the UK 2018-2028
• Premium Statistic Number of users of vacation rentals in the UK 2018-2028

Travel & Tourism market revenue in the United Kingdom 2018-2028, by segment

Revenue of the Travel & Tourism market in the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2028, by segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

Travel & Tourism market revenue growth in the UK 2019-2028, by segment

Revenue growth of the travel and tourism market in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2028, by segment

Revenue forecast in selected countries in the Travel & Tourism market in 2024

Revenue forecast in selected countries in the Travel & Tourism market in 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Number of users of package holidays in the UK 2018-2028

Number of users of package holidays in the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2028 (in millions)

Number of users of hotels in the UK 2018-2028

Number of users of hotels in the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2028 (in millions)

Number of users of vacation rentals in the UK 2018-2028

Number of users of vacation rentals in the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2028 (in millions)

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Jet-set Britain: Exploring Trends and Insights for Travel and Tourism in the UK in 2023

Appinio Research · 08.11.2023 · 21min read

Is life a pendulum constantly swinging between the PTO (paid time off) you just had and the next PTO you’re going to request?

Luckily for you, the Appinio Hype Train is here to sweeten this in-between time.

The travel industry is an interesting one as it has seen its fair share of changes and challenges in recent years. From the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the growing awareness of sustainability concerns, there's much to unpack. We'll delve into the heart of these matters and provide you with a detailed look at how British travellers are navigating this dynamic landscape.

Appinio has surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1000 Brits, and investigated everything from travel frequencies and accommodation preferences to the burning questions about sustainability and the overtourism phenomenon. By the end of this blogpost, you'll have a comprehensive overview of the state of the UK's travel and tourism industry in 2023, and a wealth of statistics, facts, and insights to keep you informed and inspired.

Key takeaways from the Appinio Hype Train Report on travel & tourism

Travel behaviour in 2023 British travellers adapted to post-pandemic conditions by embarking on more frequent and extended trips, including the trend of " revenge travel ". However, the cost-of-living crisis led to reduced travel frequency and closer-to-home destinations due to inflation. Travel companions varied, with couples, solo travellers, and families. Off-peak travel gained popularity, offering quieter and more affordable experiences. Resurgence of domestic tourism   It's evident that domestic tourism in the UK has experienced a resurgence. British holidaymakers have been rediscovering the wonders of their home country, driven by factors such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis. The South West region, in particular, emerged as a preferred choice for staycations. Sustainability and climate-conscious travel British travellers are starting to place importance on sustainability in their travel decisions. Many seem to be willing to pay more for climate-friendly options when travelling, i.e. paying more for accommodations. However, there is a reluctance to limit air travel, possibly due to short PTO and the desire for longer, more relaxing vacations.

💡 Ready for take-off? Then download the Hype Train Report for free!

Download the Appinio Hype Train Report on Travel & Tourism with Jonas Upmann from HomeToGo

Status quo of the travel & tourism industry in the UK

The travel and tourism industry is dynamic by nature and is constantly shaped by factors such as global events, evolving consumer preferences, and technological advancements. But since the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has been struggling to find its footing, we could say, it got long covid.

The disruption of travel altogether and business-as-usual practices was so profound that issues emerged during the pandemic keep interfering with travellers till this day, so much that the amount of disturbances faced by holidaymakers in the summer of 2023 has been called unprecedented .

There was a notable decline in the number of Britons taking holidays during 2020 and 2021, but the situation luckily improved in 2022, Statista says.

When considering international travel, Spain, the United States, and France emerged as the top destinations for UK outbound travellers.

Conversely, the South West region of the UK emerged as the preferred choice for summer staycations .

Statista projected that the revenue in the Travel & Tourism market is to reach £32.22bn in 2023, and that revenue is expected to show a slow annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of -0.48%, resulting in a projected market volume of £31.61bn by 2027.

Travel behaviour of British holidaymakers in 2023

Yet UK holidaymakers are undeterred. According to Ms. Lo Bue-Said (chief executive,  Advantage Travel Partnership) for British newspaper The Independent : “Desire to travel among Brits has not abated. Summer from a trading point of view has been exceptional. We have seen significant business increases and some really exciting destinations.”

Of course, after years of restrictions and limitations, revenge travel , a.k.a. consumers finding travel more appealing than ever, resulting in countless people travelling for longer and more frequently, was to be expected.

However, misery loves company. Once COVID restriction started to ease, the cost-of-living crisis reared its head and it forced Brits to change once again their travel plans. The Appinio Hype Train Report shows that

• 40% (strongly) agree that due to inflation, they reduced the number of trips they made this year.
• 34% (strongly) agree that due to inflation, they chose holiday destinations closer to home .

Some consumers may need to wait a bit longer to book their revenge trips.

Domestic vs. international travel

The debate between domestic and international travel remains at the forefront of travel decisions. 

Many Brits have been rediscovering the wonders of their home country, with domestic tourism experiencing a resurgence, especially to the windy beaches of the South West.

The reasons are multifaceted. First of all, British citizens started to feel the effects of Brexit, then the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions came to be, followed by an energy crisis. To top it all off, there were shortages in travel and airport staff, plus strikes. Not the best start to a holiday, right?

No wonder 55% of Brits thought domestic travel was the safest option to enjoy some well-deserved PTO.

Nevertheless, international travel kept its allure.

Travellers seek adventures and sunshine abroad, as demonstrated by 45% of British holidaymakers having gone / going to international destinations.

The Appinio Hype Train data also show an interesting difference between age groups: Baby Boomers are the most likely to travel domestically (62%), while Gen Z the most likely to travel internationally (50%).

Long vs. short haul

The choice between long-haul and short-haul destinations is another important aspect of travel behaviour. 

Is a weekend enough to unwind or are Brits packing anti-jet-lag remedies with them?

It looks like Brits seem to prefer long-haul journeys that offer the promise of far-flung adventures, cultural exploration, and new experiences (55%). 

On the other hand, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of short-haul travel within the UK and/or Europe continues to captivate a significant portion of British travellers (45%).

The Appinio Hype Train data also show an interesting difference between age groups once again: Baby Boomers are the most likely to do short trips (52%), while Gen Z are the most likely to do long trips (60%).

Travelling in company

British holidaymakers exhibit diverse preferences when it comes to companionship during their journeys. 

• Couples seeking romantic getaways are a substantial portion of travellers, 27% of British travellers do so. Baby Boomers are the most likely to travel with their significant other (39%).
• Only 18% of British holidaymakers travelled or will travel solo this 2023, Millennials seem the most likely to do so (21%).
• Group travel seems to be the least popular option, as only 16% had done so. Gen Z are the most likely to travel with a group (24%).
• Family vacations remain a cherished tradition for 39% of British travellers, 35-44 years-olds are the most likely to travel with family (45%).

Peak season vs. off-peak

Travel patterns in 2023 reflect a noteworthy trend where British consumers are increasingly looking beyond the traditional peak season. 

While the summer months or school breaks continue to be popular for vacations, there's a growing appetite for off-peak travel. 

Over one in two (57%) are more inclined to travel off-peak . This means that many travellers are exploring the charm of destinations during the quieter months, taking advantage of smaller crowds and often more affordable prices.

Booking habits

The way Brits book their trip has evolved, reflecting the digital age's influence. 

Over the years, there has been a significant shift towards online platforms and apps for booking flights, accommodations, and activities. These platforms offer convenience, a wide range of choices, and often competitive prices, in fact nearly three quarters (74%) of UK travellers have been booking their accommodation online , both desktop and mobile. 

However, traditional travel agencies still hold sway with a portion of the population (28%), especially for those who value personalised service and expert advice.

💡 Need more insights to feed your roadmap to your holiday?

Brits’ accommodation preferences

Accommodation is a critical piece of any travel puzzle.

Will the bed be comfortable enough, or are the pillows as hard as your mum’s comments on your new haircut? Is the location nice and quiet, or would you need earplugs to be able to sleep? How are the vibes at the reception, is the staff helpful or are they scrolling on TikTok all day long?

These are all legitimate questions that every traveller asks themselves when booking an accommodation, hoping they haven’t been scammed!

Let’s deep dive into their habits and trends and understand what they are looking for.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, British travellers display a wide spectrum of preferences. 

• Traditional hotels continue to be a top choice for 70%, offering a combination of comfort and amenities. 
• Resorts come in second (37%), followed by B&B at 33%. 
• Vacation rentals like AirBnB or HomeToGo rank fourth at 31%, Baby Boomers are the most likely to prefer this option (39%) among all other age brackets.

When it comes to vacation rentals, vacation homes and cabins/cottages are the most popular choice (both at 50%), with cabins and cottages being a must for Baby Boomers at 58%.

Beach homes rank second (40%), but they are the go-to for Gen Z (59%).

Alternative lodging options

Beyond the conventional choices, travellers are increasingly embracing alternative and unconventional accommodations. Tiny houses , often nestled in picturesque natural settings, provide a cosy and minimalistic escape. Houseboats offer a unique way to stay right on the water, allowing travellers to drift off to sleep with the gentle sway of the waves. 

These alternative options cater to those seeking an offbeat and memorable stay. However, these options are not often used by UK holidaymakers, 70% of them say they never used alternative lodging.

Despite looking like the cutest thing on earth, these accommodations often have limited space, making them less suitable for larger groups and extended stays. Comfort and amenities may not match traditional lodging, and accessibility, privacy, seasonal limitations can be factors to weigh. Safety, sanitation, and lack of standardisation are also concerns, while high demand during peak travel times may affect booking availability.

Factors influencing accommodation choices

The factors influencing accommodation choices are multifaceted. 

• Budget considerations play a crucial role, 70% travellers seeking affordability and others willing to splurge for a luxurious experience. 
• Location , proximity to attractions, and the ease of transportation are also key factors for 64%.
• 41% decide after careful research and take into account reviews and ratings .
• Comfort , of course, makes it to the top 5 with 39% looking for a comfortable and pleasant accommodation to relax after a day of exploration.
• One third (32%) look for the amenities like pools, gym or pet-friendly lodging, meaning that travellers are not satisfied with “just a place to sleep” anymore.

Willingness to pay for premium amenities

Many (36%) British travellers are increasingly willing to invest in premium amenities that enhance their overall travel experience. These amenities can include spa services, fine dining, private pools, and more. The willingness to pay extra for such features demonstrates a desire for a higher level of comfort and indulgence during their trips.

💡 Packing for your trip? Then don't forget to download the Hype Train Report for free!

Insights into Brits’ climate-conscious choices when travelling

Nearly two thirds (60%) of travellers are willing to pay a premium / additional fee to choose a more climate friendly travel option. The desire to minimise the carbon footprint of their journeys has become a driving force behind their travel decisions. However, when asked exactly how they’d like to contribute to a more sustainable way of travel:

• 43% would be willing to pay higher prices for accommodations ,
• 42% would be willing to pay higher prices for transport ,
• 15% would be willing to pay higher city taxes .

Efforts to be more climate-friendly

As climate change awareness continues to grow, some British travellers are contemplating the need to limit their journeys for climate reasons.

One third (33%) state they have been trying to reduce the number of their trips in order to be climate-friendly, but the striking majority doesn’t think of refraining from travelling when and how much they want/can.

Willingness to limit travel for climate reasons

A small portion of travellers is willing to reduce their travel frequency or travel shorter distances to minimise their carbon footprint.

And, when asked whether they’ll be willing to travel only once a year by plane, British holidaymakers were split, with 51% saying they wouldn’t want to limit their air travel.

Interestingly, Gen Z and Millennials, two of the age cohorts most vocal about climate change and the need to tackle the climate crisis as fast as possible, seem the least likely to be wanting to limit their travel.

There’s clearly an age effect as the younger the respondents the less willing to give up on travel. 

Could it be because, being still in their prime, they want to explore the world as much as possible before starting to experience mobility or health issues that could hinder their ability to travel?

All considered, it is clear that this unwillingness to limit their air travel goes deeper than not wanting to be climate friendly. Consumers may not want to give up air travels for multiple reasons: 

• PTO is often short, so having to spend more time travelling by train or car could actually shorten the holiday and dampen the relaxation effect a holiday is supposed to give
• For those living in one country but having family or business ties in another, air travel is often the most practical way to stay connected.
• Air travel opens up opportunities for adventure and exploration, allowing people to discover new places and create memorable experiences.

The overtourism phenomenon

As travel and tourism continue to thrive in the United Kingdom, the concept of overtourism has started to make an appearance. 

Overtourism represents a complex challenge, where the popularity of a destination can sometimes lead to adverse consequences, including overcrowding, environmental degradation, and cultural erosion.

Awareness of overtourism phenomenon

Overtourism has become a buzzword in the world of travel only recently. 

In fact the majority (61%) of Brits have never heard of this term and 27% heard of the term but aren't sure of what that means.

It is clear that not many are aware of the challenges posed by overtourism, which often involves crowded destinations, environmental degradation, and strained local resources, and how this phenomenon will be changing the travel & tourism industry. 

Many popular destinations like Florence , Venice (Italy) and Mount Fuji (Japan) are thinking of introducing a set number of visitors per day to limit disruptions. The city of Florence has even introduced an Airbnb ban in the city centre, as vacation rentals were robbing residents of housing.

Other regulatory measures are visitor quotas, limited access to sensitive areas, and the implementation of tourist taxes to manage the influx of visitors.

It’s clear that economies heavily dependent on tourism are now starting to see the dark side of the tourists influx and are starting to think of measures for preserving the integrity of the destination and ensuring a positive experience for both travellers and local residents.

Attitudes toward measures to combat overtourism

In response to the overtourism phenomenon, British travellers exhibit a range of attitudes and opinions regarding the measures to combat it.

Nearly one in two (46%) Brits (strongly) agree with implementing measures against overtourism. However, and funnily enough, they wouldn’t be willing to pay higher city taxes (previous slide), an extremely popular measure that most saturated holiday destinations have introduced.

The overtourism phenomenon is an issue that is still failing to capture the attention of British travellers, and their attitudes towards addressing it reflect their lack of knowledge.

New trends shaping the travel and tourism industry

The world of travel and tourism has been always witnessing fascinating transformations and several trends have been shaping the industry. 

Luckily, we had an amazing expert to guide us and make sense of the travel and tourism industry: Jonas Upmann from HomeToGo, the marketplace with the world's largest selection of vacation homes.

Jonas is the Head of Consumer Communications, with expertise across content marketing, PR (digital and traditional), and SEO, alongside more than eight years of experience in one of Berlin’s leading travel tech companies, Jonas is a seasoned industry professional and a true travel expert. Additionally, Jonas has lectured in PR at the Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin, and is employed as a guest lecturer for content marketing at the Swiss Zurich University of Applied Sciences with a focus on storytelling and the distribution of content. Combining a classic PR background with modern inbound marketing techniques, Jonas' focus at HomeToGo is driving impactful coverage of HomeToGo and the HomeToGo Group's brands on top domains, creating brand awareness and SEO visibility to increase organic traffic.

Jonas gave us insights on the newest and hottest trends in the travel and tourism industry.

• One such trend that's gained immense traction is the habit of booking trips well in advance . British consumers are showing an unprecedented level of curiosity and awareness when it comes to planning their journeys, and the buzz surrounding this trend is the biggest recorded by the Appinio Hype Tracker. The idea of securing travel plans ahead of time is a hot topic of discussion in consumer circles, reflecting multiple consumers' needs, being cost-effective in a cost-of-living crisis period, but also having something to look forward to. 
• On a parallel track, we find the anticipation for summer holidays in 2024 , albeit with a twist. While curiosity remains high, the awareness levels are slightly lower, resulting in a somewhat subdued buzz. It's an intriguing contrast, suggesting that consumers are keeping their summer dreams somewhat close to the vest. 
• International travel is staging a remarkable comeback. It boasts the third-highest curiosity levels but has skyrocketed to the second-highest slot in awareness. The consumer buzz around international travel is substantial. A testament to the pent-up wanderlust of British travellers, eager to explore the world once again.
• Domestic travel , although equally appealing, has a slightly different story to tell. While awareness levels rank third, and the buzz is significant, it takes a slightly backseat to international journeys in terms of curiosity. In essence, British travellers are embracing both global and local adventures with equal enthusiasm, but their discussions reveal a penchant for planning ahead and embarking on international escapades that speak to their enduring spirit of exploration.

In the ever-evolving realm of travel and tourism, consumers are the biggest players, continually adapting to global shifts, emerging trends, and shifting priorities. The Appinio Hype Train Report on the status travel and tourism industry in 2023 has uncovered a rich tapestry of experiences, choices, and attitudes among travellers. From the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resurgence of domestic tourism, the rise of sustainability consciousness, and the complexities of overtourism, travellers are embracing change with resilience and vigour. Looking forward to the travel landscape for 2024, it becomes clear that today's travellers are adapting faster than ever and keep looking for adventures, far away and closer to home. And these travellers will always find the right accommodation for every type of trip at HomeToGo.

💡 What else are fellow travellers discussing when planning their holiday? Find out on the Hype Tracker!

In the ever-evolving realm of travel and tourism, the United Kingdom stands as a dynamic player, continually adapting to global shifts, emerging trends, and shifting priorities. 

The Appinio Hype Train Report on the UK travel and tourism industry in 2023 has uncovered a rich tapestry of experiences, choices, and attitudes among British travellers. From the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the resurgence of domestic tourism, the rise of sustainability consciousness, and the complexities of overtourism, British travellers are embracing change with resilience and vigour.

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The value of tourism in england.

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England’s tourism sector contributes £106 billion to the British economy (GDP) when its direct and indirect impacts are taken into account – and it supports 2.6 million jobs. When only its direct impacts are considered (excluding aspects such as the supply chain, for example), its contribution is £48 billion – supporting 1.4 million jobs.

We are currently re-launching the volume and value statistics; the figures will be updated in due course.

For further information, please contact [email protected] .

England tourism factsheet for 2019

Learn about the contribution of tourism to the English economy in this report, which was updated in November 2020. You can also download the infographic for a visual summary of the report (PDF 179KB).

Report highlights

• In 2019, British residents spent  £19.5 billion on 99.1 million domestic overnight trips  in England.
• Overseas visitors to England spent  £24.8 billion  in 2019, making  36.1 million trips .
• 1.4 billion domestic day trips  were taken to English destinations in 2018, with spending totalling  £56.5 billion .
• The available accommodation stock census in England showed that in 2016 there were  33,374 serviced accommodation businesses  (for example guest houses and hotels) and  31,845 non-serviced accommodation businesses  (such as holiday homes, camping and caravan parks).
• There was an average serviced accommodation  room occupancy of 78%  in 2019, with  average bed space occupancy at 55% .
• We estimate there were  5,000 to 6,000 visitor attractions in England  – however, it is difficult to measure an exact number as some sites have a different primary purpose but are still visited by tourists (such as places of worship).

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Access the full findings for england tourism factsheet 2019 (2020).docx.

View the full findings

You can also  watch a webinar  to get an overview of the insights from this project at a global level.

Related resources

For more facts and figures about tourism in England, explore our latest intelligence on domestic overnight tourism , day visits , accommodation occupancy and visitor attractions – or browse information about inbound tourism statistics .

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Travel and tourism review: October 2021

Update on progress on the travel and tourism statistics review, including proposed future approach and details of a user consultation.

https://www.ons.gov.uk/releases/travelandtourismreviewoctober2021

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80+ UK Tourism Statistics [2024 update]

Reviving inbound tourism: the uk's journey to recovery.

• The latest inbound tourism forecast for 2023 anticipates 37.5 million visits, an impressive 92% recovery compared to the pre-pandemic level in 2019.
• In 2023, inbound visitors are projected to spend £30.9 billion, surpassing the 2019 level by 109% in nominal terms.
• Travel and tourism’s total contribution to the UK’s GDP in 2017 was 5.3%. By 2028, travel and tourism’s contribution to the UK’s GDP is expected to decrease significantly to only 2%.
• Overseas residents made 31.2 million visits to the UK in 2022.
• By 2024 and 2025, both domestic and international tourism in the UK is projected to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.
• Ranked the sixth largest in the world, the UK tourism industry generates £155.4 billion in revenue for the UK economy annually.
• In 2022, London remained the most visited city by international visitors with just over 16 million international visits. However, this figure was approximately 26% lower than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
• Edinburgh and Manchester welcomed a considerable number of tourists in 2022 — 1.8 million and 1.2 million respectively — making them the second and third most popular destinations.
• In 2022, the United States topped the list as the leading inbound travel market for the UK based on the number of visits, with approximately 4.6 million inbound trips from American travelers.
• Following closely were tourist arrivals from France, the Republic of Ireland, and Germany.
• In 2019, Americans spent a record £4.18bn while visiting the UK.
• In 2022, overseas visitors to the UK enjoyed an average stay of 8.4 nights, compared to just over 7 nights in 2019.
• The National History Museum, Brighton Pier, and the British Museum topped the list of the most popular free attractions in England in 2022.
• The Tower of London, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the RHS Garden Wisley topped the list of the most popular paid attractions in England in 2022.
• The Windsor Great Park was the most visited tourist attraction throughout the UK in 2022, attracting 5.6 million visitors.

A surge in travel staycations: UK domestic tourism statistics

• Between April and December 2021, Brits enjoyed nearly 45 million overnight stays within the UK.
• In 2021, domestic travelers in the UK spent £98.7 billion on trips around the UK.
• In 2019, British tourists embarked on almost 123 million domestic holidays.
• The number of outbound international travel trips in 2019 amounted to 93 million.
• Brits took an average of 2.3 domestic vacations between September 2021 and August 2022.
• 20% of Brits say that the South West of the UK is their top destination for overnight domestic trips during summer.
• With staycations on the rise, Brits spent an average of almost £770 on UK getaways in 2021.
• Throughout 2022, British residents made 1.1 billion day trips to places within the UK, spending £45 billion on these trips alone.

Adventure tourism statistics: Visitors to the UK have caught the adventure bug

• The UNWTO reports that the UK boasts Europe’s largest adventure tourism market, accounting for 19% of the world's adventure travel tourists.
• By 2024, the adventure tourism industry revenue is projected to reach £3.8 billion.
• From 2011 to 2019, spending on adventure and water sports in the UK increased from £1.5 billion to £1.8 billion.
• The number of people taking part in adventure and water sports activities in the UK has also increased from 57 million in 2011 to 100 million in 2019.
• In 2021, UK spending on camping trips rose to £2.7 billion.
• In 2019, outdoor-related activities in urban settings accounted for over 60% of all nature-based spending.
• 59% of European millennials have had at least one kind of adventure experience.

Healthcare tourism statistics beyond borders: Medical tourism in the UK is on the rise

• The UK medical tourism market is expected to reach a valuation of over £17 billion by 2032.
• The global medical tourism market is projected to be worth $35.9 billion by 2032.
• In 2020, the UK ranked fifth in the global destination environment ranking for medical tourism.
• In 2021, a total of 34,000 inbound visits to the UK were for medical treatment.
• Of the 34,000 medical tourists in 2021, 62% were from countries in the EU-15, and less than 3% were from North America.
• Tourist spending on medical treatment in the UK is between £178 million to £325 million annually.
• Inbound medical travelers and their companions contribute approximately £219 million to the UK economy through additional tourism expenditures every year.
• Dental care, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and cancer treatment top the list of popular procedures for medical tourism trips.

Sports tourism statistic scoring big: Football rules UK sports tourism

• In 2022, 76.2 million people attended professional sporting events throughout the UK.
• According to the latest figures, inbound tourism expenditure on sport and recreation reached an impressive £231 million in the UK.
• In 2019, around 1.5 million inbound visitors attended a live football match, accounting for approximately 1 in every 27 visitors.
• Football is the number one sporting attraction for international tourists visiting the UK, with over 800,000 visitors annually attending a football match.
• Cricket is the second biggest sporting draw with 225,000 annual visitors.
• Since 2010, the value of sport to the UK economy has increased by 40%.
• In 2019, inbound football tourists spent an average of £909 per visit, 31% higher than the average visitor spend of £696 by other inbound tourists.
• In 2019, the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester and the Anfield Stadium in Liverpool had the highest attendance at 440,000 tourist visits.
• The amount spent on golfing activities in the UK grew by 40% between 2011 and 2019, from £800 million to £1.1 billion

Business tourism statistics: Meetings, incentive trips, and exhibitions fuel the business tourism boom in the UK

• In 2022, there were 5.1 million visits to the UK for business reasons.
• Business contributed £5.8 billion in spend in 2019, representing an incredible 20% of all inbound spend.
• Business travelers tend to make flying visits to the UK. In 2019, almost two-thirds of all business visits to the UK lasted between 1 and 3 nights.
• Unlike typical tourism flows, business visits to the UK don't show much seasonality, which means there's a steady number of visitors year-round.
• In 2019, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) made up nearly one-third of all UK business trip expenses, with visitors spending a hefty £1.7 billion.
• In 2019, conferences, conventions, and congresses took the lead among the MICE sub-categories, accounting for 742,000 visits and a whopping total spend of £716 million.
• Large meetings consisting of over 21 people in 2019 accounted for approximately 7% of all business visits (646,000 visits in total), and these travelers spent £573 million.
• In 2019, incentive and team-building trips made 67,000 visits and spent £69 million, making them one of the top-spending business groups with an expenditure of £1,039 per visit.
• In 2019, attendees of exhibitions, events, and trade shows spent a total of £319 million during 319,000 visits.
• In 2021, UK residents made an estimated total of 8.3 million business trips.
• Two-thirds of UK businesses plan to boost business travel spend by 50% or more in 2023.
• The Travel and Tourism Development Index ranked the UK as the fifth-best country for non-leisure travel worldwide in 2021, and the first-best country in Europe.
• Business travelers flocked to London in 2019, with a remarkable 3.98 million visits from abroad, solidifying its position as the top business travel destination in the UK.
• The average cost of a business trip to London has risen by 15% since 2022.
• As of 2023, London is the third most expensive business travel location in Europe.
• Ranked as the eighth most expensive city in the world for business travel, a trip to London costs around £497 per day visit.
• The average spend per domestic business trip in 2019 was £280.
• Over half of business trips to the UK turn into bleisure trips.

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Rural tourism statistics: the charm of rural tourism and sustainable travel is on the rise.

• A testament to its beauty, UK nature contributed a remarkable £12 billion to tourism and outdoor leisure in 2019.
• In 2021, the Gross Value Added (GVA) from tourism in Predominantly Rural areas was worth an impressive £11.5 billion.
• During 2019/20, rural areas boasted 66,800 registered tourist-related businesses, making up 11% of the total registered businesses in those regions.
• Tourism-related industries play a more substantial role in rural employment, representing 15% of the total workforce, compared to 11% in urban areas.
• The majority of UK travelers (71%) and US travelers (69%) say that sustainable travel practices are important to them and strive to make more eco-conscious journeys.
• 23% of UK travelers chose to travel to a destination closer to home in order to reduce their carbon footprint .
• In a bid to enhance rural tourism, Scotland allocated £3 million in 2022 to support 10 infrastructure projects, focusing on visitor facilities, access improvements, and promoting eco-friendly transport options.
• An estimated 34% of holidays in Wales involve camping or caravanning, compared to 20% in England and 21% in Scotland.

Music tourism is hitting high notes in the UK

• In 2022, the global music tourism market value was valued at $5.5 billion and is on track to rock 'n' roll all the way up to an incredible $11.3 billion by 2032.
• The thriving music tourism sector sustained a total of 56,000 jobs across the UK in 2022, massively contributing to overall tourism employment statistics in the country.
• In 2022, the UK’s music scene drew in an impressive 1.1 million foreign music tourists and 13.3 million domestic music tourists.
• 2022 marked a crescendo in music tourism spending in the UK, peaking at an impressive £6.6 billion — surpassing the pre-pandemic total in 2019 of £4.7 billion.
• Attracting a staggering 4.9 million music tourists, London is a major magnet for music lovers.
• Thanks to the draw of legendary groups The Beatles, The Stone Roses, and Oasis, the North West region is close behind with 1.9 million music tourists.
• 10% of British people would travel eight hours by plane to see their favorite artists.
• 63% of Brits have been on trips that combined travel with a gig or festival.
• New York and Barcelona are the top dream travel destinations for British music lovers.

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Tourism Statistics for the UK: Latest Facts and Figures

Last Updated: February 9, 2024

The UK’s travel and tourism industry has long been an important part of its economy, with tourists pouring billions of pounds into it every year. In fact, in 2019, the UK had a record number of visitors, with 40.86 million people coming into the country and spending over £28 billion while there.

However, with these numbers plummeting in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the future of UK tourism is now more uncertain than ever.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the latest Tourism Statistics for the UK and see what trends are emerging. We’ll also look at the latest outbound and domestic tourism statistics and uncover where Brits love to go on holiday the most. So read on if you are interested to know more about tourism in the UK.

Top 10 UK Tourism Statistics

• In 2020, the UK had a total of 11.1 million inbound visits — 76% less than in 2019.
• In 2019, London was the most visited city in the UK, with nearly 21.7 million visits by international tourists.
• London Heathrow is the most used airport by international visitors, receiving over 11 million non-UK arrivals in 2019 alone.
• Spain is the most popular destination for outbound tourists from the UK, with 18.1 million visits made by UK residents in 2019.
• In 2019, UK residents made 93 million trips abroad, which dropped to 23.8 million in 2020.
• In 2020, UK residents spent a total of £13.8 billion on their trips abroad.
• In 2019, British tourists took nearly 123 million domestic holidays and only 93 million international holidays.
• London is the number one staycation destination in the UK.
• In 2020, the total contribution of tourism to the UK’s GDP was estimated at £89.6 billion.
• That same year, the travel and tourism industry in the UK generated 3.96 million jobs.

Inbound Tourism Statistics

Inbound tourism is vital to the UK economy, with visitors from overseas spending billions of pounds every year. In 2019, inbound tourism in the UK reached new heights, with a record number of visitors coming to the country.

The statistics below will show you the latest facts and figures relating to inbound tourism in the UK.

In 2020, the UK welcomed a total of 11.1 million visits from international tourists

The majority of those visits happened in the first quarter of 2020 before any travel restrictions were implemented. That is a 76% dip compared to 2019 when the UK received a staggering 40.86 million tourist visits.

The chart below gives a full overview of the number of inbound visits in the UK from 2012 to 2022.

The number of visits from international tourists to the UK is predicted to drop to 7.4 million in 2021 and rise to 21 million in 2022.

The expenditure of inbound visitors in the UK reached approximately £6.2 billion in 2020

That is a huge drop from the £28 billion spent in total by tourists in the UK in 2019.

The sharp decline of inbound visits to the United Kingdom is a direct consequence of the travel restrictions put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. As you will see from the following statistics, inbound visits to the UK plummeted even more during 2021.

During the first three quarters of 2021, the UK had a total of 1.8 million inbound visits by air

That is a whopping 93% decrease compared to the same period in 2019. In addition, up to 1.3 million of those visits were made during the third quarter alone, which, when compared to the third quarter of 2019, is still a massive 86% decrease.

Taking holidays remains the leading reason for visiting the UK

In fact, in 2020, up to 4.4 million of all inbound visitors came to the UK for holiday purposes. That is still 74% fewer than in 2019 when there were a staggering 17 million vacationers in the UK.

The second most common reason for travelling to the UK in 2020 was visiting friends and relatives, with 3.4 million visitors, followed by business trips, accounting for 2.5 million visitors.

In 2019, the United States was the top travel market in the UK, with a total of 4.5 million trips made from the US to the UK

In addition, US residents spent approximately £4.2 million during their trips to the UK in 2019. That same year, the UK welcomed 3.5 million visitors from France, making it the second-ranked inbound travel market. Germany was ranked third with around 3.2 million visits, followed by the Irish Republic with 2.8 million, and Spain with 2.3 million visits.

Next, let’s take a look at how many tourists visit London on an annual basis.

In 2019, London was the most visited city in the UK, with almost 21.7 million visits made by international tourists

London overseas visitors far outnumber those of any other city in the country. The UK’s second and third-ranked most visited cities were Edinburgh and Manchester, each accounting for roughly 2.2 million and 1.7 million visitors, respectively.

Unfortunately, in 2020 those numbers declined significantly, with London receiving only a small fraction of the 2019 visits. The table below gives a full overview of how the coronavirus pandemic impacted tourism in London .

London Heathrow is the most used airport by international visitors in the UK

In 2019, London Heathrow received over 11 million non-UK arrivals. The other two most used airports by international visitors in the UK are London Gatwick and London Stansted.

Between July and September 2021, international travellers had around 21.5 million overnight stays in the UK

Although that is a significant increase over the first quarter of 2021, it is still well below the number of overnight stays in the UK in pre-pandemic times.

During the third quarter of 2021, inbound tourists spent a total of £1.2 billion on their trips to the UK

That is a remarkable increase compared to the first two quarters of 2021, when visitors in the UK spent only £0.25 billion and £0.39 billion, respectively. However, that figure is still way below the pre-pandemic standard. Namely, it is an 86% decrease compared to the same period in 2019 when inbound tourists spent £15.3 billion in the UK.

To conclude, although fewer tourists are visiting the UK at the moment, those who do come are still spending money while they’re here. That is good news for the economy, and it’s hoped that as travel restrictions ease and more people are able to travel again, we’ll see these numbers start to increase.

Outbound Tourism Statistics

Outbound tourism is defined as the travel of residents from their country of residence to another country for the purpose of leisure, recreation, or business.

There are many reasons people might choose to go on an outbound trip. Some might want to experience a different culture or see some of the world’s famous landmarks. Others might go on business trips or visit friends and relatives who live in another country.

Whatever the reason for travel, outbound tourism has a massive impact on the economy. In 2019, UK residents made over 93.1 million outbound visits, generating an estimated £62.3 billion in spending.

Keep on reading for the latest facts and figures on outbound tourism from the UK, including the most popular destination countries and the amount of money spent by UK tourists abroad.

Spain is the most popular destination for outbound tourists from the UK

In 2019, there were 18.1 million visits made to Spain by UK residents, followed by France, with 10.35 million visits, and Italy with almost half that, at 5.11 million visitors. The USA was the most visited country outside of Europe and the fourth most visited destination by UK residents overall, with 4.8 million UK residents travelling there in 2019.

These are the top 10 countries that Brits visited the most in 2019.

In 2020, the number of trips abroad made by UK residents stood at 23.8 million

By comparison, in 2019, the number of trips abroad from the UK reached 93 million. That is a remarkable 73% decline in the period of just a year. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic is the main reason for the decrease in the number of outbound visits in 2020 compared to previous years.

When looking at outbound tourism statistics, it’s also important to consider the reasons for travel.

The most common reason UK residents travel abroad is for holidays and leisure, with over 59 million visits made for that purpose in 2019

However, in 2020, that figure dropped to 14 million. Visiting friends and relatives was the second most common purpose for travelling outside the UK in 2019, accounting for roughly 23 million visits.

Similarly, that figure dropped to only 7 million in 2020.

In line with the decrease of outbound visits, the amount of money spent by UK residents while abroad plummeted in 2020 as well.

In 2020, UK residents spent a total of £13.8 billion on their trips abroad

Compared to the total amount spent on trips abroad in 2019, which stood at £62.3 billion, that is also a remarkable fall.

While the coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect on the tourism industry, there are signs that outbound travel from the UK is starting to pick up again.

In the third quarter of 2021 (July to September), there were 6.1 million visits made by UK residents to foreign countries

In addition, the vast majority of those visits, or 5.4 million, were made to Europe.

That is a substantial increase compared to the number of outbound visits made during the second quarter of 2021 (April to June), which stood at only 1 million. However, it should also be noted that the number of outbound visits in the third quarter of 2021 is still well below the levels seen at the same period in previous years.

In the third quarter of 2021, the number of nights spent on outbound visits reached around 103 million.

The number of overnight stays of UK residents abroad paints a similar picture, increasing substantially over the previous quarter but remaining well-below pre-pandemic levels.

Overall, it is expected that the number of outbound trips made by UK residents will start to increase again in 2022, as the pandemic comes to an end and travel restrictions are lifted. Still, it is improbable that we will see the same numbers we saw before the coronavirus outbreak anytime soon.

Domestic Holiday Statistics

While it is widely believed that the coronavirus pandemic has caused a so-called “staycation boom”, the truth is that Brits have always preferred vacationing within their own country rather than abroad.

In fact, in 2019, domestic tourism far outweighed inbound tourism , with British tourists taking nearly 123 million domestic holidays and only 93 million international holidays. That proves that the Brits have always been a staycation nation.

Read on for more domestic travel statistics.

In 2019, over 60 million of the total number of domestic trips in the UK were taken for vacation purposes

That same year, vacationing was the most common reason for travelling in the UK , followed by visiting friends or relatives and taking a business trip.

Additionally, British tourists preferred visiting cities and large towns over the countryside when taking day trips in the UK.

In 2019, British tourists took approximately 2.72 billion day trips for leisure activities within Great Britain 

Of those, around 1.66 billion fall within the tourism day trips category, defined as visits that last more than three hours to destinations other than where the visitor lives and do not visit regularly.

In July 2020, Google UK searches for “staycation” increased by over 500% compared to that same period a year before

That is a good indication that the pandemic has caused a surge in UK domestic travel . In addition, googling for terms such as “uk staycation” and “glamping holidays uk” increased by over 400%, further proving the growing interest of the UK population to vacation in their own country.

In 2020, domestic tourist spending in the UK amounted to £34 billion

That is a significant decrease over 2019 when domestic tourist spending peaked at £100.08 billion. Moreover, the average spending on domestic summer holidays taken by Brits in the UK has also decreased remarkably from 2019 to 2020.

In 2021, it was estimated that Brits would spend an average of £ 770 on domestic summer holidays

By comparison, in 2019, the average expenditure per person amounted to £874. These figures suggest that, aside from disrupting inbound and outbound tourism in the UK , the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has also had a significant impact on domestic tourism.

London is the number one staycation destination in the UK

A survey conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk suggests that London was the most popular staycation spot in the UK in 2020. The capital received more visits than the popular beach destinations Cornwall and Devon, which both shared the second spot.

Edinburgh and Cumbria and the Lake District round up the top five domestic holiday locations for British tourists. 

How Does Tourism Contribute to the UK Economy?

Tourism is a key driver of the UK economy, supporting millions of jobs and generating billions of pounds in revenue every year. In 2019, the total contribution of tourism to the UK’s gross domestic product was estimated to be nearly £238 billion.

Check out the statistics below to gain some more insight into how the travel and tourism industry contributes to the UK economy.

Tourism in England generated £ 100.08 billion and supported 2.5 million jobs in 2019 alone

In fact, England tourism makes up over 80% of the UK’s tourism and visitor economy. Domestic day trips contribute the most to that amount, generating £56.5 billion. Inbound trips come second, with £24.8, followed by domestic overnight trips, which account for £19.5 billion of the total amount spent on tourism in England.

If you are interested in how tourism spending in England is spread across the country, take a look at the following statistic.

The majority of tourist spending takes place in London

In 2019, tourists in London spent a total of £33.2 billion, which is more than the next two regions combined. The South East came in second, with £13.1 billion in tourist spending, and the North East third, with £2.27 billion.

The table below gives a full overview of how tourist spending in England is spread across the country.

In 2020, the travel and tourism industry in the UK generated 3.96 million jobs

That is a substantial decrease compared to the 2019 figure of 4.27 million jobs. Again, the decrease is directly related to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions.

Take a look at how the travel and tourism industry has contributed to employment in the UK over the last few years.

The majority of jobs in the UK tourism industry are in food and beverage serving activities, with jobs in this sector reaching about 1.2 million in 2019. The next largest sector is sport and recreation activities, accounting for 482 thousand jobs in the tourism industry in 2019.

In 2020, the total contribution of tourism to UK GDP was estimated at £89.6 billion

That is a 62% decrease over the previous year when the total contribution of tourism to GDP in the UK peaked at £237.6 billion.

See the chart below for a full overview of how the travel and tourism industry has contributed to the UK’s GDP over the years.

Finally, let’s take a look at the latest travel and tourism market revenue statistics in the UK.

In 2021, the travel and tourism market revenue in the UK reached around 18.2 billion dollars

That is a slight increase from the year before and a sign that the UK tourism industry is beginning to recover from the effects of the pandemic.

While the coronavirus pandemic will undeniably continue to pose a serious threat to the tourism sector in the UK, some of these facts and figures suggest that the industry is slowly beginning to bounce back.

In conclusion, we can see that the pandemic has had devastating effects on the industry. However, the latest figures show that things are finally looking up for UK tourism, as people are starting to feel more comfortable travelling again.

It will undoubtedly take some time for UK tourism to return to its pre-pandemic levels, but the latest statistics are undoubtedly encouraging.

What do you think about these latest Tourism Statistics for the UK ? Are you surprised by any of them? Let us know in the comments below!

The most common country of origin for visitors to the UK is the USA, with 4.5 million visitors in 2019, followed by France, with 3.5 million visitors, and Germany, with 3.2 million visitors.

The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the British economy, supporting millions of jobs and generating billions of pounds in revenue every year. The combined economic impact of tourism was estimated at £257.9 billion in 2019.

In 2019, tourism accounted for around 10.9% of the UK economy.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the UK tourism industry has taken a significant hit. Inbound and outbound tourism have both been affected, with a significant decrease in the number of visitors to and from the UK. 

The contribution of tourism to the UK economy has also decreased and was estimated at £127 billion in 2020, compared to £257.89 billion in 2019. Tourism continues to be a significant contributor to the British economy, but the pandemic has had a profound effect on the industry.

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UK Tourism Statistics 2023

• Post author By Giacomo Piva
• Post date June 9, 2023

We’ve put together some of the latest UK tourism statistics using recent data and reports including market size, the number of tourists visiting the UK, and the most popular tourist attractions to visit.

Key Statistics

Uk tourism market size, how many tourists visit the uk each year, overseas visitors spending in the uk, number of nights spent in the uk, most-visited towns and cities in the uk, most-visited uk tourist attractions, outbound tourism from the uk, uk domestic tourism statistics, where do british people stay on holiday, london tourism statistics.

• 31.2 million people visited the UK from overseas in 2022, a 388.7% increase from 2021 as a result of travel restrictions being lifted after COVID-19.
• The UK’s travel and tourism industry is worth an estimated £31.38 billion ($39.14 billion USD) and is expected to reach £33.41 billion ($41.67 billion USD) by 2027 .
• Overseas visitors spent £26.5 billion in the UK in 2022, climbing back up to pre-pandemic levels after dropping significantly in 2020 and 2021.
• London is the most-visited city in the UK with 16.1 million overseas visitors in 2022 , followed by Edinburgh with 1.8 million visitors .
• The most-visited attraction in the UK is the Crown Estate at Windsor Great Park with 5.6 million visitors in 2022.
• Visitors from China spend the most on average in the UK with £8,779 per visit , which is approximately 10 times the average amount spent by all visitors from around the world.
• Visitors to the UK from Poland spend the least on average at £321 per visit .
• Spain is the most-visited country by UK residents, with 15.6 million visits of at least one night, followed by France with 7.4 million visits .
• 46% of British travellers say their budget is £200 or less for a trip in the UK, with 76% saying they will prioritise value for money when booking a holiday.

Revenue in the UK’s travel and tourism industry is estimated at £31.38 billion in 2023 and is predicted to reach £33.41 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 1.58% between 2023 and 2027. [ 1 ]

How many people work in tourism in the UK?

The latest figures show that 3.3 million people work in the tourism industry in the UK, and this is expected to grow to 3.8 million by 2025. [ 2 ]

In 2022, 31.2 million people visited the UK from overseas, a 388.7% increase from 2021 but visitor numbers had not yet fully recovered to 2019 levels.

The number of overseas visitors to the UK remained fairly consistent in the years prior to 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic led to travel restrictions. There were 40.8 million international visitors in 2019, and this dropped by 279.2% to 11.1 million in 2020.

Sources [ 3 ] [ 4 ]

Visitor spending in the UK also remained consistent in the years between 2017 and 2019, with overseas visitors spending £28.4 billion in the UK in 2019. This figure dropped to £6.2 billion in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and dropped further to £5.6 billion in 2021.

The latest figures show visitor spending has roughly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with overseas visitors spending £26.5 billion in 2022.

Sources [ 4 ][ 5 ]

Average spend per visit by country

The average amount someone spends on a trip to the UK varies depending on which country the visitor travels from. The average amount spent on a trip to the UK across visitors from all countries is £875. Visitors from China spent the most on average with £8,779 per visit (roughly 10 times the amount spent on average by all visitors). This was followed by visitors from the Middle East (not including UAE) with an average of £3,754 per visit.

Visitors who spent the least on average when visiting the UK were from Poland (£321) and Hungary (£364).

Data from 2020 was not available due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Source [ 6 ]

The number of nights spent in the UK by overseas visitors decreased slightly from 312.6 million in 2017 to 298.6 million in 2019, a 7.3% decrease in this period.

Unsurprisingly, like the number of visitors and the average spend, the number of nights spent in the UK by international visitors was also affected by COVID-19. Figures for 2021 show that overseas visitors spent 93.5 million nights in the UK, a 70% decrease compared to 2019.

Sources [ 3 ]  

London is consistently the most-visited city in the UK, with 16.1 million overnight visitors from overseas in 2022. The second most visited city is Edinburgh with 1.8 million visitors, then Manchester with 1.2 million, followed by Birmingham with 803,000.

Source [ 4 ]

You’ll find a number of popular tourist attractions across the UK, from museums and art galleries to parks and beaches; let’s take a look at the most-visited attractions in the UK.

The most popular attraction in the UK in 2022 was the Crown Estate at Windsor Great Park which attracted 5.6 million visitors. Coming second on the list was the National History Museum with 4.6 million visitors, followed by the British Museum with 4 million visitors.

Source [ 7 ]

Outbound tourism statistics from the ONS show that UK residents mostly visit countries in Europe, with 51.9 million visits to European countries in 2022. This means that visits to Europe make up 79.5% of outbound travel by people living in the UK. [ 8 ]

Most-visited countries by UK residents

The most popular country for UK residents to visit in 2022 was Spain, with 15.6 million visits of at least one night. This was followed by France with 7.4 million visits, and Italy with 3.9 million visits.

Holidaying in the UK has become a popular pastime for British people, with staycations offering a number of benefits compared to travelling abroad. Let’s take a look at some of the latest domestic tourism statistics for the UK.

• In 2021, there were 118.9 million overnight trips taken in Great Britain by British residents. Of these trips, England was the most popular destination with an 84% share of the trips (100 million trips). Scotland was the second most popular destination with an 11% share of the trips (13 million trips). Wales was the third most popular destination with a 5% share of the trips (6 million trips).

• The average length of stay for a domestic overnight trip in Great Britain was 3.5 nights.
• The total expenditure on domestic tourism in Great Britain in 2021 was £27.2 billion.
• Of this expenditure, £22.2 billion was spent in England, £2.8 billion was spent in Scotland, and £2.2 billion was spent in Wales.

Sources [ 9 ] [ 10 ]

Why do people choose a staycation in the UK?

• The desire for budget-friendly holidays is on the rise, with 46% of people saying their budget for a staycation is £200 per person or less, and 75% say they will prioritise value for money when looking to book a holiday.
• Holidaymakers want to explore the outdoors – 44% of people said they would like to see more national parks in the UK on their next holiday.
• People want to take a trip with their pets, with 40% of UK travellers saying they will look for pet-friendly accommodation for a UK staycation.
• Scotland is becoming a popular destination for British travellers with 40% of respondents saying Scotland is top of their list for a UK holiday. [ 11 ]

We looked at the types of accommodation British people choose to stay in when they go on holiday, either abroad or in the UK.

The most popular accommodation was a hotel, with 62% of people saying they had stayed at a hotel while on holiday in the past three years. This was followed by staying with family or friends (26%), and staying at a bed and breakfast (23%). 

Source [ 12 ]

According to the Greater London Authority, there were 11.2 million international visits to London in 2022. This is an increase of 260% from 2021 when there were 3.5 million international visits to London. The increase in tourism is due to a number of factors, including the easing of travel restrictions after COVID-19, the strong pound, and London continuing to be a popular destination for tourists. [ 13 ]

Total visits to London

In 2021, there were 7.8 million visits to London from national and international tourists, with a total spend of £7.56 million. This was a 64% decrease in spending compared to the pre-pandemic figure of £2.1 billion in 2019.

Most popular visitor attractions in London

The two most-visited attractions in London also fall in the top three most visited tourist sites in the UK, the Natural History Museum and the British Museum. Third on the list is the Tate Modern Gallery with 3.8 million visitors, and next is the Southbank Centre which received 2.9 million visitors in 2022.

More London tourism facts

• One in seven jobs in London is related to the travel and tourism industry, and this sector makes up 12% of London’s GDP.
• Visiting London is the third biggest reason people say they come to the UK, and the city accounted for 53% of international visits to the UK in 2019.
• 15% of people who visit London from overseas come as part of a longer trip, including other areas in the UK. [ 15 ]

[1] https://www.statista.com/outlook/mmo/travel-tourism/united-kingdom  

[2] https://www.visitbritain.org/sites/default/files/vb-corporate/Documents-Library/documents/foresight_165_regional_activities.pdf  

[3] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/timeseries/gmat/ott  

[4] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/articles/traveltrends/2022

[5] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/datasets/overseasresidentsvisitstotheuk  

[6] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/articles/traveltrends/2021  

[7]  https://www.alva.org.uk/details.cfm?p=423

[8] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/datasets/ukresidentsvisitsabroad  

[9] https://www.visitbritain.org/gb-domestic-overnight-tourism-latest-results

[10] https://www.gov.wales/domestic-gb-tourism-statistics-overnight-trips-2021-html

[11] https://www.traveldailymedia.com/top-five-reasons-for-expected-staycation-boom-in-2023/  

[12] https://yougov.co.uk/topics/travel/trackers/what-type-of-accommodation-do-brits-stay-in-when-on-holiday  

[13] https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/tourism-london-6  

[14] https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/tourism-trends-and-strategies/tourism-statistics

[15] https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/tourism-may-not-recover-until-middle-of-decade    

By Giacomo Piva

Giacomo Piva, CMO and Co-founder at Radical Storage Giacomo Piva has worked in the travel industry since 2008 across multiple niches including tourist transportation, luxury travel, and ecotourism. He now focuses on growing the global luggage network, Radical Storage , which is currently available in over 500 cities, in the likes of London, Paris, New York, and Rio de Janeiro. Giacomo has a bachelor's degree in Communication Science and an in-depth experience across travel marketing, especially in improving a brand’s digital presence within the industry.

PESTLE Analysis of UK Tourism Industry

The United Kingdom is a world-renowned tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The UK tourism industry is a vital component of the country’s economy, generating billions of pounds in revenue and providing employment for millions of people.

UK has rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and fascinating history. From the bustling streets of London to the serene countryside of Scotland, the UK is a diverse and fascinating destination that continues to captivate visitors from all over the world. In this context, exploring the UK tourism industry can be an interesting and enlightening experience.

Political Factors

Economic factors, social factors, technology factors, legal factors, environmental factors.

There are several political factors that can affect the UK tourism industry, including:

Government policies: The policies implemented by the government can have a significant impact on the tourism industry. For example, changes in visa requirements, taxation policies, and regulations can either attract or discourage tourists from visiting the country.

Brexit: Since the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, there have been concerns about the impact on the tourism industry. Changes in immigration policies, travel restrictions, and currency fluctuations could potentially affect the number of tourists visiting the UK.

Stability and safety: Political instability and safety concerns can significantly impact the tourism industry. For example, terrorism, civil unrest, and natural disasters can discourage tourists from visiting the country.

Investment in infrastructure: The government’s investment in infrastructure such as airports, railways, and roads can improve the tourism industry’s competitiveness and attract more tourists.

Trade agreements: The UK’s trade agreements with other countries can have an impact on the tourism industry. For example, trade agreements can make it easier for tourists to travel to the UK and boost the tourism industry’s growth.

The UK tourism industry is a vital sector of the country’s economy, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities. Here are some of the key economic factors that impact the UK tourism industry:

GDP Contribution: The tourism industry in the UK contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2019, tourism accounted for around 7% of the UK’s GDP.

Employment: The tourism industry is a major source of employment in the UK, providing jobs for over 3 million people. This includes both direct and indirect employment, such as those working in hotels, restaurants, and transportation.

Foreign Exchange: The tourism industry is also a significant source of foreign exchange earnings for the UK. In 2019, the country earned around £28.4 billion from tourism, which was the sixth-highest earnings in the world.

Investment: The UK tourism industry attracts significant investment from both domestic and foreign investors. This investment is essential for the development of infrastructure and the improvement of tourist facilities.

Regional Development: The tourism industry plays a critical role in the development of the UK’s regions, particularly in areas that are dependent on tourism. This includes the creation of jobs, investment in infrastructure, and the promotion of local culture and heritage.

Brexit: The UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) in 2020 has had an impact on the tourism industry. The weaker pound has made the UK a more attractive destination for international tourists, but the new visa requirements and other changes could also make travel more difficult.

Covid-19 pandemic: The global pandemic has had a severe impact on the UK tourism industry, with travel restrictions, lockdowns, and border closures leading to a significant decline in tourism activity. The industry is expected to take time to recover from this unprecedented crisis.

The UK tourism industry is influenced by a wide range of social factors. Some of the key social factors that impact the UK tourism industry are:

Demographics: The demographics of the UK population, including age, gender, income, and education, can have a significant impact on the types of tourists that visit the country and the activities they participate in. For example, an aging population may prefer more cultural or historical activities, while younger tourists may prefer more adventurous activities.

Changing lifestyle trends: Changes in lifestyle trends can also have a significant impact on the tourism industry. For example, the rise of health and wellness trends has led to an increase in spa and wellness tourism, while the trend towards eco-friendly travel has resulted in a demand for sustainable and responsible tourism.

Cultural events and festivals: The UK is known for its rich cultural heritage, and cultural events and festivals such as music festivals, food festivals, and sporting events can attract a large number of tourists.

Social media and technology: Social media and technology have revolutionized the way people travel and plan their trips. Tourists now have access to a wealth of information online, and social media platforms have made it easier for them to share their travel experiences and recommendations with others.

Travel preferences: The travel preferences of tourists can also impact the UK tourism industry. For example, some tourists may prefer more luxurious accommodations and amenities, while others may prefer budget-friendly options. Additionally, some tourists may prefer to travel independently, while others may prefer to join guided tours.

Overall, social factors play a crucial role in shaping the UK tourism industry, and it is important for tourism businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest social trends and preferences in order to remain competitive and attract visitors.

There are several technology factors that have impacted the UK tourism industry in recent years, including:

Online booking systems: The widespread use of online booking systems has made it easier for tourists to research and book their trips to the UK. This has led to increased competition among tourism businesses, but also made it easier for them to reach new customers.

Social media: Social media platforms have become important marketing tools for tourism businesses, allowing them to reach potential customers around the world. Social media also plays a role in shaping tourist perceptions of destinations and can impact their decision-making.

Mobile technology: The increasing use of smartphones and mobile devices has made it easier for tourists to access information about destinations, book tours and activities, and navigate new locations. Mobile apps have also become an important tool for tourism businesses to engage with customers and provide personalized experiences.

Virtual and augmented reality: The use of virtual and augmented reality technology is becoming more common in the tourism industry. This technology allows tourists to experience destinations and attractions virtually, providing a preview of what they can expect when they visit in person.

Big data : Tourism businesses are increasingly using big data to gather information about customer behavior and preferences. This information can be used to tailor marketing efforts and create more personalized experiences for customers.

Overall, technology has played a significant role in shaping the UK tourism industry, making it easier for tourists to access information and book trips, and providing tourism businesses with new tools to reach customers and enhance the overall tourist experience.

There are several legal factors that affect the UK tourism industry. Some of the most important ones include:

Health and safety regulations: The UK tourism industry is subject to various health and safety regulations, which aim to ensure the safety and wellbeing of tourists. These regulations cover areas such as accommodation, food and drink, and transportation.

Employment law: The UK tourism industry employs a large number of people, and as such, is subject to a range of employment laws. These include minimum wage requirements, working time regulations, and health and safety at work regulations.

Licensing and permits: Businesses operating in the tourism industry may require various licenses and permits to operate legally. For example, hotels may require licenses for serving alcohol or for playing music.

Consumer protection laws: The UK has strong consumer protection laws, which apply to the tourism industry. These laws aim to protect consumers from unfair practices, such as misleading advertising or price fixing.

Environmental regulations: The UK tourism industry is subject to various environmental regulations, which aim to protect the natural environment and preserve local wildlife. These regulations cover areas such as waste disposal, energy use, and emissions.

UK tourism industry is heavily regulated, with a wide range of laws and regulations governing its operation. Businesses operating in the industry must ensure that they comply with these regulations to avoid legal issues and to protect the safety and wellbeing of their customers.

The UK tourism industry is influenced by a variety of environmental factors:

Climate and Weather: The weather conditions and climate patterns can significantly affect the demand for tourism in the UK. The country experiences four distinct seasons, which influence the types of activities that tourists engage in and the areas they visit.

Natural Resources: The UK has a diverse range of natural resources, including scenic landscapes, coastal areas, mountains, and wildlife. These resources are essential in attracting tourists who are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and water sports.

Environmental Concerns: Environmental factors such as climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts are increasingly becoming a concern for tourists. The UK is taking steps to address these concerns by promoting sustainable tourism practices and encouraging visitors to respect the environment.

UK tourism industry is influenced by a range of environmental factors, and it is important for industry stakeholders to monitor and adapt to these factors to ensure continued growth and success.

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UK TOURISM Statistics 2023

• / UK Tourism Statistics

Explore UK Tourism Trends & Statistics on Inbound Tourism, Spend, Employment, Popular Tourist Destinations & more!

It was predicted that by 2025 the UK tourism industry would be worth over £257 billion, however, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic had other ideas, putting worldwide travel to a stop.  In 2020 there was a decline of 73% in visitors to the UK and 78% in tourist spending.

UK tourism is not back to pre-pandemic levels just yet, however, the total contribution of travel and tourism to the UK’s GDP increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023 and it's been forecast the number of visitors to the UK will increase to 35.1 million in 2023.

Read on for more UK tourism statistics & latest industry data.

TOP TOURISM  STATISTICS UK:

In 2020 the UK received 11.1 million inbound visitors , who spent £6.2 billion , a decline of 73% in visits and 78% in spending.

This represented a loss to the UK economy of £22.2 billion.

Monthly air passenger arrivals to the UK fell by 98.3% from 6,804,900 in February 2020 to 112,300 in April 2020.

It's forecast that the number of visitors to the UK could reach  35.1 million in 2023.

The total contribution of travel and tourism to the UK’s GDP increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023. 

The average Briton took 3.6 holidays in 2022.

UK tourism is predicted to account for 8.93% in 2028 .

The country most visited by UK residents is Spain .

Tourists spent around £14.2 billion in London in 2022.

There were 15.6 million international visitors in London in 2022.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact UK tourism?

How many tourists visit the uk each year, how does tourism contribute to the uk economy, what are the most popular tourist destinations in the uk, what are the most popular tourist attractions in the uk, how many jobs does tourism create in the uk, why do tourists visit the uk, the impact of covid-19 on the uk tourism market.

In 2020 the UK received 11.1 million inbound visitors, who spent £6.2 billion , a decline of 73% in visits and 78% in spending.

Domestic and international air passenger traffic fell to less than 2% of its February 2020 levels in April 2020.

London saw the largest fall in room occupancy, with just 20% of rooms occupied in July 2020 compared with 90% in the same month in 2019.

Accommodation and travel agency businesses saw the sharpest decline in turnover during the first national lockdown, falling to 9.3% of their February levels in May 2020.

Employment in accommodation fell by 21.5% compared with the same three months of 2019.

Domestic tourist spending dropped to £34 billion in 2020 from £92 billion in 2019.

Visit Britain is forecasting 35.1 million visits in 2023  and £29.5 billion spent (104% of the 2019 level and 14% higher than in 2022).

While international tourist visits haven’t bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, Visit Britain estimates they could come to 86% of the pre-pandemic level in 2023. 

In 2022, there were about 30 million international visits to the UK.

In 2022, UK tourism’s GDP contribution was £214 billion.

Tourism’s GDP contribution should grow by 3% annually between 2022 and 2032.

UK tourists spent around £45 billion abroad in the first three quarters of 2022.

COVID-19 impacted the UK tourism market when travel came to a halt around the world. Monthly air passenger arrivals to the UK fell by 98.3% and ultimately the losses represented a loss to the UK economy of £22.2 billion.

Inbound international tourism to the UK was the first industry to be affected by Covid-19 and will be the last to recover, although the UK isn't at pre-pandemic levels just yet, travel & tourism to the UK's GDP increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023 and the number of inbound visitors to the UK could reach 35.1 million in 2023. 

Where people have missed out on travel due to lockdowns, other factors are impacting whether people can afford travel. I ncreasing costs of overseas tourism stop 19% of Britons from enjoying a trip abroad, and personal finances and around  36% of consumers say they won’t be taking a holiday this summer – 14% say due to the level of their essential costs.

Sources: Money Transfers , KPMG , Parliament , ONS , Statista  

UK INBOUND TOURISM STATISTICS

The United Kingdom  ranked seventh in the UNWTO international arrivals league and accounted for 2.8% of global arrivals in 2017.

2017 had the highest number of visitors in one year (39.2 million) . This is almost two-thirds of the population of the UK.

The United Kingdom  ranked fifth place in the UNWTO international tourism earnings league in 2017.

There were 37.9 million visits to the UK in 2018.

Travellers from the US contribute most to the travel industry in the United Kingdom. 3.9 million American tourists visited  in  2018 and spent a collective £3.4 billion.

The USA, France, and Germany were the top markets in terms of the number of visits to the UK, accounting for 29% of visits in 2018.  These markets also accounted for 27% of all overseas visitor spend.

Visits to the UK for holidays reached a new record in June 2019 with 1.6 million inbound holiday visits (up 18%).

4 million people visited the UK in July 2019.

54% of all inbound visitor spend is accounted for by London . The rest of England accounts for 33%, Scotland 10% and Wales 2%.

Repeat holidaymakers  stay longer on their visits than first-time visitors. They also spend more on average per night.

Inbound tourism statistics show 2017 was a record-breaking year, there was a 9% increase in spend and a 4% increase in visits from the previous year. A whopping 39.2 million people visited the UK in 2017, this is almost 66% of the UK population. The increase in tourism in 2017 drove sales for luxury British brands, boosting Bond Street into the top three of the world’s most expensive store locations.

Tourism statistics prove that this industry is one of the UK’s most valuable sectors with 37.9 million people visiting in 2018. Over half of the visitor spend is spent within London which is not surprising as London is the third most visited city in the world after Bangkok and Paris. London will always be one of the most popular cities in the world because it has something for everyone when they go on holiday , whether it is the vibrant culture, the west end theatre or classic British food.

Sources : TheGuardian , UKInbound, VisitBritain , VisitBritain, Finder , ONS , Forbes

LONDON TOURISM STATISTICS

How many tourists visit london each year.

London attracts around 30 million visitors from around the world every year. The number of tourists visiting London has increased from 11 million in 2002 to more than 19 million in 2016.

According to the National Office for Statistics tourists spent more than 111 million nights and close to £11.9 billion . See the chart below to see who’s visiting London (Source: Statista ).

UK TRAVEL STATISTICS: SPENDING

£2.9 billion was spent on visits by overseas residents in July 2019.

In 2018, £7.3 billion was spent by overseas residents. This has decreased by 3% from the previous year.

For every £1000 generated by direct tourism, a further £1800 is supported elsewhere in the economy.

Inbound visitors will continue to be the fastest-growing tourism sector with spend by international travellers forecast to grow by over 6% a year in comparison with domestic spending at just over 3%.

37.9 million people visited from overseas in 2018 and spent £22.9 billion.

The UK accounted for 3.7% of international tourism receipts in 2017.

£604 is the average spend per visit in 2018.

There was a growth in spending across Wales (2%), North East (5%) , Yorkshire (2%) and East Midlands (22%).

$31.93 billion was spent by tourists in 2017.

Domestic tourism in the UK  remains the biggest component of tourist spending, with 2008 expenditures totaling £21.9 billion, according to VisitBritain.

3.8% of global tourism receipts are accounted for by the UK.

Tourism in the UK contributes immensely to the economy, there was a total expenditure of £22.9 billion in 2018 and had 37.9 million tourists. The average spend per visit is £604 with an average length stay of 7 nights. Although the UK is a small country, it still accounts for 3.8% of global tourism receipts and is the fifth top tourism earner in 2018. 

How much does tourism contribute to the UK GDP? Tourism contributes £145.9bn (7.2%) of the GDP, England’s tourism sector is vibrant and vital.

Students also help contribute large amounts to the economy, 500,000 students visit to learn English each year. These English foreign language students also spend £2399 per visit, this is four times more than the average spend. 88% of these students intend to come back to the UK for another holiday. Students generate £1.2 billion in export earnings for the United Kingdom every year.

Sources : ONS , VisitBritain , VisitBritain, Wikipedia, UKinbound , 

UK TOURIST ARRIVALS STATISTICS

6.9 million European residents visited in 2018, this has decreased by 3% from the previous year.

Between April and June 2019 there was an 18% (1.6 million visits) increase from the previous year in visits from North American residents.

Visits by European residents decreased by 5% (6.8 million visits) and visits from other countries decreased by 5%.

Certain markets are more likely to make repeat visits to the UK: 92% of holiday visits from the Irish Republic, 92% from Norway, 83% from Iceland and 80% from Belgium were repeat visits in 2015. Repeat visits are most likely taken by those who have been on holiday here before, as 50% of repeat visits are for holidays. This is followed by 21% who are visiting friends and relatives, 20% business trips, 8% study and 1% other.

Out of the top 10 visiting countries whose residents visited the most frequently in 2018, eight of these countries were EU countries (France, Germany, Irish Republic, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Italy and Belgium). The only other non-EU countries in the top ten were Australia and the USA. This list has remained almost the same over recent years.

Sources : ONS , VisitBritain

TOURISM STATISTICS UK: BEHAVIOUR AND REASONING

In 2018 tourists visited the UK for the following reasons:

37.9 million tourists visited the UK in 2018.

15.1 million of those visited for a holiday.

11.8 million or 31.4% visited the UK to see friends or relatives.

8.4 million visited for business trips.

2.6 million trips were for other reasons.

During April-June 2019, 4.3 million visited for a holiday,

2.1 million for business and 2.8 million came to visit family and friends. This is just under 10% of UK GDP.

77% of inbound visits were repeat visits.

92% of business visits were repeat visits in 2015, 85% was to visit family and friends and 63% were holiday visits.

Those visiting for holidays reached a new record in June 2019 with 1.6 million inbound holiday visits (up 18%).

Business visits increased to 24% in June 2019 (800,000).

Why do people visit the UK? Business visits accounted for 22% of all visits in 2018 and contributed to a spend of around £4.5 billion. According to Visit Britain, 3.3 million business visits were made to attend small/ medium-sized meetings whist 1.5 million visits were made to attend larger meetings such as conferences, conventions and trade shows. 

Visits by overseas residents decreased in 2018 in comparison to 2017. However, holidays are still the most common reason why people visit the UK. There were 15.1 billion holidays to the United Kingdom in 2018 accounting for 40% of the total. The USA is the top visiting country followed by France, Germany, the Irish Republic and Spain. 

Sources : ONS, VisitBritain, UKInbound

UK TRAVEL INDUSTRY STATISTICS: POPULAR DESTINATIONS

Top Towns and Cities

London Edinburgh Manchester Birmingham Glasgow Liverpool Bristol Cambridge Oxford Brighton

Visits (000s)

19,090 2,363 1,408 1,100 837 803 598 547 526 459

The most popular tourist destination in the UK is unsurprisingly London as it is the capital. The capital attracts 8 times more travelers than the second most visited city in the UK. People love visiting this city because it is full of culture. The best museums and galleries in the world are located there, most of which are free. It also provides many options to see the most beautiful panoramic views such as the London Eye and a variety of rooftop bars.

Edinburgh is the second most visited city, known for its low crime rate and rich heritage it is understandable that Edinburgh is so popular. In England, Manchester is the second top city after London. Manchester has amazing cuisine; an assortment of museums and incredible nightlife and its number of overseas tourists is rising by 10% a year.

Sources: VisitBritain, Finder , UKinbound

UK TRAVEL FACTS & STATISTICS: TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

The top three activities in which international tourists participated in during their visit included dining in restaurants, shopping and going to the pub.

10% of all visits  included a visit to the beach. This rises to 33% for those visiting Wales.

Walking in the countryside was the most popular outdoor leisure pursuit. This was particularly high in the South West and Scotland (41%).

9% of visits  include a trip to the theatre , this rises to 15% in London.

Sightseeing is the most common activity, with 16% of those only in the UK for a day doing some form of sightseeing.

International travellers described a possible trip to the UK as education over anything else.

The Tate Modern is the most popular attraction in the capital, with 5.9 million visitors in 2018. This is followed by the British Museum (5.8 million) and the National Gallery (5.7 million).

47% of people stated that they associate the United Kingdom with Museums, it is also the most popular attraction in London.

Wildlife attractions had a 4% participation rate, increasing to 6% amongst those visiting the South West, London and Scotland.

The South West literary offer was the second highest after London, with 6% including a literary/music/TV or film location visit during their stay.

The most popular tourist activity and attraction is sightseeing. Even if tourists are only visiting for one day, 16% of people manage to do some form of sightseeing. Walking is also another extremely popular tourist activity. London tourism statistics show The Tate Modern is the number one tourist attraction in the city, with 5.9 million visitors in 2018.

Activities specifically focused around ‘city life’ such as dining, socializing and shopping are the most popular things to do for overseas visitors. History and heritage also draw in a lot of tourists, alongside ‘Britain only’ activities such as iconic landmarks and famous attractions. Whereas, in the more rural parts of the UK, visiting the countryside, beaches, as well as national parks, are very popular amongst tourists. Tourists over the age of 65 are more likely to do unusual activities such as playing golf or researching ancestry.

Sources : VisitBritain , Finder

TOURISM EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS UK

Since 2010, tourism has been the fastest-growing sector for UK employment. By 2025, the tourism industry UK is set to be worth over £257 billion.

The tourism sector is set to grow at an annual rate of 3.8% through to 2025. This is significantly faster than the overall economy. It is also supporting 3.8 million jobs.

English foreign language students generate £1.2 billion in export earnings each year. This creates 20,000 jobs.

3.3 million people work in tourism-related businesses, 1.5 million are employed as a redirected result of expenditure.

There are 241,000 businesses in the UK travel industry.

The United Kingdom is the world’s 7th most popular tourist destination, therefore it is not surprising that this sector creates a lot of job opportunities. These UK tourism employment statistics demonstrate the importance of tourism for employment. Since 2010, tourism has been the fastest-growing sector for UK employment, accounting for 11.9% of all jobs and it is thought that by 2025, the industry is set to be worth over £257 billion. Travel and tourism overtook financial services (8.9%) and banking (3.4%) as the fastest growing sector in the UK.

Sources : VisitBritain, Finder , WTTC

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What are you looking for?

64+ uk travel & tourism statistics (2023).

London is one of the top five most popular cities for tourism worldwide. It’s truly an icon of the United Kingdom and the country’s leading tourist destination.

Well, have you ever wondered what the most visited attractions are in the UK?

Or how much money tourism brings in to the UK’s economy?

Below, we’ve compiled data from numerous reliable sources to present some of the latest statistics about travel and tourism in the UK.

Whether you want to learn more about UK tourism or are simply preparing for your next visit, you’ve come to the right place! 

Let’s get started…

Sources : You’ll find the source of each statistics directly under it, or head over to the end of the post for a full list of all articles and sources used.

Travellerspoint

How many tourists visit the UK each year?

In 2019, there were 40.86 million tourist arrivals registered in the United Kingdom.

What percentage of the UK economy is tourism?

The total contribution of travel and tourism to the UK’s GDP increased by 40% from 2020 to 2021, after plummeting dramatically from the £234.5 billion contribution in 2019.

Where does the UK rank in tourism?

With 39.4 million visitor arrivals in 2019, the UK ranks tenth in the top visited countries in the world.

How many tourists visit wales each year?

More than 1 million tourists visit Wales each year, spending a total of £3 billion annually.

UK Travel & Tourism Key Statistics

• The number of international tourist arrivals in the UK fell significantly to 11.1 million in 2020, which is a 73% decrease.
• Holiday is the main reason overseas tourists visited the UK, with 1.3 million visits being made for this reason, or 44% of all overseas visits. 
• With 4.2 million visits, Spain was the most visited country by UK residents in 2021.
• In 2021, 30% of all travel and tourism spending in the UK was for business travel, while 70% was leisure spending.
• London is the most popular city in the UK for international travelers, reaching the top 5 most popular cities worldwide in 2019 with 19.56 million tourists.
• There were 18,530 accommodation businesses in the UK in 2020.
• Hotels and similar accommodations are the most common accommodation type in the UK, with 9,837 establishments recorded in 2020.
• After London, the second most visited city in Britain is Edinburgh with 2.2 million visitors in 2019.
• The British Museum is the most visited tourist attractions in the United Kingdom according to 2019 figures.

UK inbound tourism statistics

How many tourists visit Britain each year?

1. There were 3 million overseas visits to the UK in June 2022, a 7% increase from the 2.8 million visits in May 2022.

[ons.gov.uk]

2. However, this figure is still 19% lower than the pre-pandemic levels, which was 3.7 million in June 2019.

In the UK and elsewhere in the world, pre-pandemic figures in travel and tourism are still significantly better.

3. In 2019, there were 40.86 million tourist arrivals registered in the United Kingdom.

[WorldData]

The number of tourist arrivals include anyone who spends at least one night in the UK but doesn’t reside there for more than 12 months. However, the survey excludes business and non-tourism arrivals.

4. The number of international tourist arrivals in the UK fell significantly to 11.1 million in 2020, which is a 73% decrease from 2019.

5. Holiday is the main reason overseas tourists visited the UK, with 1.3 million visits being made for this reason, or 44% of all overseas visits. 

6. another popular reason for visiting the uk from abroad was to visit friends or relatives (1 million visits or 34% of the total)., outbound tourism in the uk.

How many outbound visits are made from the UK each year?

7. In June 2022, UK residents made 7.8 million overseas visits, or 23% more, compared to May 2022.

8. likewise, this is also still lower than the 9.1 million recorded overseas visits made by uk residents in june 2019., 9. out of these overseas visits made by uk residents, 6.6 million or 85% were to european countries..

UK residents make up a significant portion of the international tourism in Europe .

10. With 4.2 million visits, Spain was the most visited country by UK residents in 2021.

This is still a significant decrease from the 18 million visits to Spain made by UK residents in 2019.

11. The top outbound travel destination for UK residents in 2021 was followed by France, Portugal, and Greece.

The UK is actually the top inbound travel market for France, with 13 million visits recorded in 2018 .

12. Great Britain is an important market for the Republic of Ireland, making up 42% of all overseas visits to the country.

[TourismIreland]

42% of all international visits to Ireland are made by residents from Great Britain.

13. 72% of those who travel abroad from the UK do so as a holiday.

14. meanwhile, 23% of uk residents travel overseas to visit friends or family., uk tourism spending.

How big is the UK tourism industry?

15. In June 2022, overseas residents spent £2.7 billion in the UK.

16. in contrast, uk residents spent £6.2 billion while overseas the same month., 17. the total contribution of travel and tourism to the uk’s gdp increased by 40% from 2020 to 2021, after plummeting dramatically from the £234.5 billion contribution in 2019..

This shows that in 2021, travel and tourism in the UK are beginning to look up again following the various restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic.

18. In 2021, 30% of all travel and tourism spending in the UK was for business travel, while 70% was leisure spending.

30% of tourism spending in the UK was for corporate travel.

19. In the United Kingdom, domestic visitors contributed 96% of total travel and tourism spending in 2021, compared to 81% in 2019.

The increasing segment of domestic tourist spending in comparison to international shows that international tourism has yet to recover in the UK.

20. Total travel and tourism revenue in the United Kingdom reached $18 billion in 2021, with the leading industry being hotels, generating $6.5 billion in 2021.

21. according to the statista mobility market outlook, revenue across all travel and tourism industries in the uk will grow and surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2023., 22. the uk travel and tourism industry generated a total of 4.11 million jobs in 2021. it has not yet reached the pre-pandemic levels of 4.28 million jobs in 2019..

Meanwhile, the number dropped slightly to 4.09 million in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was at its peak.

23. The median full-time salary of employees in the UK hotel industry is £20,300.

24. meanwhile, full-time workers in the passenger rail transport and interurban industry has a median salary of almost £40,300..

The rail transport and interurban industry remains one of the highest-paying one within all tourism and hospitality industries in the UK.

25. Solo travellers from the UK spend an average of €340 on flight and hotel, the most out of other European solo travellers.

British citizens who travel solo are recorded to spend €340 on average for their flight and hotel alone.

Domestic tourism in the UK

How big is domestic tourism in the UK?

26. The number of overnight trips in Great Britain almost reached 119 million between April and December 2021, which is nearly caught up with the pre-pandemic number of 2019.

27. in terms of trip purpose, residents of great britain took 45 million overnight vacations and 43 million overnight trips to visit friends and relatives in domestic destinations., 28. in 2019, british tourists took 1.65 billion domestic day trips within great britain..

Day trips here are used to refer to visits that last at least three hours, to destinations where they do not reside in.

29. Britons spend an average of £770 on staycations in 2021, a 12% decrease from the £874 average in 2019.

30. british tourists tend to prefer cities than countryside when taking day trips within great britain., 31. in 2019, seaside destinations were most popular with day trippers in wales (19%), compared to 10% of respondents in england and scotland each..

Residents of Wales show a higher tendency and preference to seaside destinations compared to day trippers from Scotland and England.

London tourism statistics

How much does tourism contribute to London?

32. London is the most popular city in the UK for international travelers, reaching the top 5 most popular cities worldwide in 2019 with 19.56 million tourists.

33. despite being one of the most popular cities for tourism, london is actually only the 27th biggest city in terms of population (8.96 million)., 34. london tourism has grown steadily from 2011, reaching its peak in 2019 with a total of 21.71 million international visits that year., 35. however, in 2021, overseas arrivals in london plummeted to just 2.72 million, which is an 87.5% decrease..

36. Visitors in London spent a total of £2,104 million in 2019, but fell to £409 million due the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

37. the 1.3 million overnight stays in london in 2019 also decreased to 300 thousand in 2020., 38. likewise, day visits dropped from 19.7 million in 2019 to 4.3 million the year after., 39. finally, the number of visits to attractions in london decreased by almost 80% from 2019 to 2020 (7.44 million to 1.56 million)., uk travel accommodation.

How many hotels are there in the UK?

40. There were 18,530 accommodation businesses in the UK in 2020.

41. Hotels and similar accommodations are the most common accommodation type in the UK, with 9,837 establishments recorded in 2020.

There are 9,837 hotels businesses in the UK in 2020, making it the most common type of vacation rental in the country.

42. This is compared to the 5,135 holiday and other short stay accommodations, and 2,270 campgrounds, RV parks, and trailer parks. 

RV ownership in the UK reached a record high of £1.15 billion in 2021 , which might mean that the number of campgrounds, RV parks, and trailer parks will increase even more.

43. Premier Inn is the most popular hotel brand in the UK. 74% of respondents in a 2022 survey stated that they liked the brand.

44. the second most popular hotel brand in the uk is travelodge with 56% stating a positive opinion on it..

45. The number of hotel guests in the UK is predicted to continuously rise by 23.92% within the next few years, reaching 48.21 million in 2026.

46. in 2020, there were 254 thousand airbnb listings in the uk, making it the top 6 country with the highest number of active airbnb listings in the world..

[AllTheRooms]

The UK has 254 thousand active Airbnb listings , the sixth highest number from all countries worldwide.

UK top travel destinations

What is the number 1 tourist attraction in the UK?

47. After London, the second most visited city in Britain is Edinburgh with 2.2 million visitors in 2019.

[VisitBritain]

48. It is followed by Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Brighton/Hove, Bristol, and finally, Oxford and Cambridget at the 9th and 10th spots.

49. 41.8 million tourists visited birmingham in 2017, 6.9% more than 2016, and generated £7.1 billion in revenue. , 50. more than 1 million tourists visit wales each year, spending £3 billion annually..

[Geography in the News]

51. Most tourists to Wales come from the Republic of Ireland, USA and Germany.

Wales is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, and American tourists make up a huge proportion of visitors in Wales.

52. 40% of all visits to Lancashire in 2021 were to Blackpool, with a total of 18.81 million visits that year.

Blackpool is a famous seaside resort best known for Blackpool Pleasure Beach and its charming old-school amusement park. Its number of visitors has more than doubled since 2020.

53. The British Museum is the most visited tourist attractions in the United Kingdom according to 2019 figures.

54. this is followed by tate modern, the national gallery, the natural history museum, and southbank centre..

It is clear that art galleries and museums are some of the most popular types of tourist attractions in the UK.

55. In 2021, Windsor Great Park is the most visited tourist attractions in the United Kingdom

Windsor Great Park is the most visited attraction in the UK in 2021. However, the 2019 is more representative of the usual UK tourism as it’s not affected by pandemic-related travel restrictions.

56. The most popular destination in the UK for a winter staycation is the North West, with 17% of respondents stating that they intend to visit the region.

A staycation refers to a holiday spent in one’s own country or hometown as opposed to abroad or out of town.

57. 15% said that they intended to visit Scotland during their winter holiday, while only 4% were planning to visit Northern Ireland.

Travel bookings and behaviours in the uk.

How do tourists in the UK book their travels?

58. A 2022 survey in the UK reveals that hotels are the most popular travel products to be booked online, with 38% claiming they have booked hotels online in the past 12 months.

38% of respondents have booked hotels in the UK online in the past 12 months, which includes website and app bookings.

59. Another survey conducted among different age groups in the UK showed that people aged 25 to 54 years old prefer to use online travel agencies to book their overseas holiday.

In fact, the UK is the 7th most popular destination for Gen Z and millennial travellers .

60. Meanwhile, agencies and tour operators were the favorite choice for individuals aged under 24 years plus 65 years and older.

61. 48% of travelers in the uk tend to use their smartphone as a guide while traveling., 62. in june 2022, 46% of women in the uk claimed that they had not taken a holiday in the last month, compared to 44% of men..

The percentage of men and women who had not taken a holiday doesn’t differ by much, but in general, women tend to travel less in the UK.

63. At the height of the pandemic in April 2020, 73% of adults in the UK had taken no holiday in the last month. This percentage fell to just 45% in June 2022.

Overall, 13.8% of British baby boomers travels overseas.

64. After the pandemic, the number of people who searched for “glamping holidays uk” and “uk staycation” on Google grew by 400%.

400% more people searched for “glamping holidays uk” and “uk staycation” on Google in the UK, which revealed the growing interest in both domestic travel and glamping holidays.

65. British travellers comprise 6.61% of Booking.com's web traffic.

The UK is the second largest online audience for Booking.com (6.61%) .

From fish and chips to Big Ben, the Royal Family to the Beatles, the UK is one of the biggest countries in terms of travel and tourism—both as a destination in itself and because British residents are known to travel a lot!

We’ve tried to be as thorough as possible, but we might have missed one or two interesting statistics about the UK.

Feel free to comment with your thoughts!

Meanwhile, you might love some of these other stats:

• Digital Nomad Statistics
• Family Travel & Tourism Statistics
• Paris Travel & Tourism Statistics
• Pet Travel Statistics
• TourismIreland
• WorldData 1
• WorldData 2
• AllTheRooms
• VisitBritain
• Geography in the News

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