This could be the year where tourism to the UK makes a total comeback

In 2022, the British Tourist Authority’s chair Judith Macgregor says the organization is anticipating over half of 2019’s arrival figures when the destination saw 40 million visitors.

“We reckon 21 million visits this year would be good but we’re always open for going above that,” Macgregor told Offshore during a one-on-one virtual interview at ExploreGB. “Our goal is [to increase] tourism as quickly as possible, particularly from faithful markets and markets like Canada, which were growing very well prior to COVID. We had a 30% increase in our tourists from Canada prior to COVID-19.”

Now that the UK has removed all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions — including testing requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated — executives are optimistic that inbound figures will continue to ramp up. In fact, results from VisitBritain’s latest wave of travel sentiment research shows the strongest desire for people to travel internationally since the survey launched in 2020.

“83% of respondents say they would take an international leisure trip in the next 12 months,” says Richard Nicholls, Head of Research and Forecasting for VisitBritain.

With only 42% of respondents already booked or decided on where to go, Nicholls says the destination also has a huge opportunity to go after its marketshare for more bookings.

Flight bookings have recovered to the highest point in almost two years — they’re now up to 30% below normal levels so that’s just the inbound flights overseas into the UK,” he adds. “We’ve regained most of the ground that we lost since COVID began.”

While there was a little blip in flight bookings after the start of the Ukraine invasion, the latest data showcases that has levelled out again too.

“North America is a region where we’ve seen some really strong bookings,” Nicholls says. “We’ve been thinking for a long time that this may be a market to lead the recovery. We’re optimistic about a strong recovery from the North American market.”

Prior to the pandemic, 875,000 Canadians visited the destination with a record spend of £730 million pounds.

“We’re encouraged by what have been good and increasingly good forward booking tallies,” says Macgregor. “The best statistics we’ve had so far have just been in the last couple of weeks. That is showing a very strong and healthy resurgence of people wishing to travel now.”

But while 2022 is shaping up to be significantly better than 2021, Nicholls points out that full recovery in terms of arrivals and visitor spend isn’t expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2025.

“The travel industry is incredibly important to Great Britain,” adds Gavin Landry, Director of the Americas for VisitBritain. “Tourism and the visitor economy drives the prosperity of Great Britain. In 2019 it represented over 10% of GDP and supported around 3.1 million jobs.”

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Latest

The Canadian government just introduced a new Canada travel pass—here’s what’s on it

This summer, Canadians can enjoy the very best Canada has to offer with the Canada Strong Pass. From museums and railroads to national parks and camping spots, the federal government is making it easier for families to choose Canada as they make their summer plans—and enjoy the places and experiences that bring us together and make Canada strong. “Transportation is more than just a means to

These travel experiences are top picks for Canadians this summer—and some of them might surprise you

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a good one for Canadian travellers, with homegrown nature, European escapes, and meaningful experiences leading the way. Booking.com has uncovered new data on Canadians’ summer travel plans. Here’s a snapshot of what’s shaping the season: Travel optimism is high, with 72% of Canadian leisure travellers reporting feeling excited about exploring the world this summer, and the

In Prince Edward Island, a waterfront spa redefines sustainable luxury

I’m not used to resting for an entire day. It doesn’t come naturally to me, and I often get anxious if I’m not being productive.  A trip to Mysa Nordic Spa in Prince Edward Island, just under an hour’s drive east of Charlottetown, quickly changed that.  My zen switch, which I thought was broken, finally switched on. As I dipped

Canadians invited to own one of 32 Ritz-Carlton Residences in Muskoka

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka, is a new, private oasis where nature and hospitality meet. Offering a rare opportunity to live on pristine waterfront property on a forested private island, the residences are nestled within one of Canada’s most storied and naturally beautiful destinations. With only 32 architecturally distinct homes this private sanctuary, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka are designed for those seeking