The most recent estimates given by UKinbound, the trade organisation representing more than 300 inbound tourist enterprises in the United Kingdom, predict that tourism arrivals in the United Kingdom will make a robust rebound in 2022, albeit they will remain far below pre-pandemic levels.
Over one-third (39 percent) of respondents stated that international bookings and visitors for April/May/June 2022 were expected to be the same or higher than they were prior to the pandemic; however, a majority (61 percent) of respondents stated that international bookings and visitors were expected to be down by an average of 47 percent during this period.
The projections for inbound tourist enterprises income for this time were comparable, with almost half (45 percent) expecting them to be the same or greater than they were before to the pandemic, and 55 percent anticipating them to be lower by an average of 49 percent, respectively. According to one in three organizations, the United States market is seeing the most growth right now.
When companies were asked to evaluate foreign reservations and visitors between July and December 2022, compared to the period before to the pandemic, there were striking parallels. 50 percent of those polled forecast the same or greater results, while 50 percent expect overseas reservations and visitor numbers to be down by an average of 41 percent in the next year.
Despite the ongoing decline in business confidence, 63 percent of enterprises are optimistic about the next 12 months, a significant increase from 56 percent in January 2022. Confidence levels reached an all-time low of 11 percent in April 2020, but they have slowly increased in each subsequent quarter since then.
Joss Croft, CEO of UKinbound, commented on the statistics, saying, “It’s terrific to see foreign visitors returning to the United Kingdom, and we’re happy to see the largest increase coming from our number one market, the United States.” The lifting of all travel restrictions to the United Kingdom has given overseas customers the confidence to resume travel to the country. While business is growing in comparison to 2020 and 2021 forecasts, the United States is substantially behind the pace of 2019 prosperity and our rivals.
“Inbound tourism is the country’s second biggest service export business, behind only financial services in terms of value added exports. However, it is a competitive business, and more must be done to persuade overseas tourists to return to the United Kingdom if the country is to expedite its economic recovery. More competitive visa systems are required to address the disastrous effect the loss of ID Card use has on the UK’s inbound young traveller sector as well as the significant negative impact that the removal of tax-free shopping is having on the tourism industry in the United Kingdom.
“Whether it’s the processing at our borders or the treatment offered at our hotels, cultural sites, and restaurants, the way we are treated is vital to our success. “Continued government investment in the promotion of Britain abroad, as well as the execution of policies and funds that assist the recovery and expansion of firms throughout the sector, will be critical in the coming years.