UKinbound, representing the trade which works with inbound tourism, has issued a warning that the UKs economic recovery will be hampered if the inbound tourism sector, worth more than ?23 billion to the economy, is undervalued
The association has called for long-term financial support for the inbound industry, alongside recovery plans for domestic and outbound tourism. UKinbound's latest Business Barometer results indicate that one in three tourism businesses in the UK may have to cease trading in the next six months, with only 27% of respondents confident their business will survive the COVID-19 pandemic. The barometer, compiled in conjunction with Qa research, asurveyed members about their business activity in Q1 2020, with 70% of respondents saying that bookings/visitor numbers/ customer orders were down (by an average of 55%) compared to the same period last year. Additionally, 75% saw a decrease in yield, compared to Q1 2019, by an average of 56%. Just 11% of respondents told researchers they were confident about the coming year, indicating that more support is needed, especially if travel agents are seeking to pivot to selling to inbound customers in a bid to bring in revenue.
Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound commented: ?Over the past two months the Government has put in place vast financial support programmes which has been a lifeline for many tourism businesses, albeit some are still falling through the gaps, but as we look to the recovery path and the lifting of domestic restrictions, it?s imperative that the needs of those businesses that rely wholly on international visitors aren?t forgotten. International travel is not likely to resume for many months and so we are most concerned about our tour operator and destination management company members as the majority will not be able to earn any revenue realistically until Spring 2021 at the earliest. Inbound tourism generates almost ?23 billion for the UK economy and we must do everything we can to safeguard this revenue stream. Furthermore, these businesses help to deliver on the Government?s ?levelling up? agenda as they promote and then take tourists to destinations all over the UK, generating valuable revenue for regional economies.?
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