VisitBritain has released visitor statistics as part of its annual review event, which also outlined future priorities to support the tourism sector.
Key Highlights:
- Inbound Tourism Forecast: International visitors are expected to spend £32.5 billion in the UK this year, a 5% increase from 2023 and 14% higher than in 2019. The forecast for visits is 38.7 million, a 2% increase from 2023.
- Sales Increase: £47 million in sales in 2022/23 through international travel trade efforts.
- Business Events Growth: £20.9 million return from the Business Events Growth Programme (2018-2022).
- Local Visitor Economy Partnerships: 33 accredited partnerships to streamline and support regional tourism.
- Business Event Proposals: 374 new requests worth a potential £269.2 million in delegate spending referred to English cities and suppliers.
Future Plans:
- Screen Tourism Campaign: The ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ campaign will highlight filming locations and promote regional diversity to attract visitors.
- Partnership Focus: Continued collaboration with Local Visitor Economy Partnerships and Destination Development Partnerships to foster growth and support SMEs in the tourism industry.
VisitBritain is committed to driving a thriving tourism industry and creating economic prosperity across the UK, with targeted support and strategic campaigns to boost visitor numbers and spending.
Regional information for Yorkshire
2023 data for Yorkshire
- Yorkshire & the Humber:
- 1.1m visits (▼14% vs 2019)
- £644m spend (▲1% vs 2019)
Visits (000) | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | % change vs 2019 | % change vs 2022 |
Yorkshire | 1,328 | 228 | 1,058 | 1,147 | -14% | 8% |