Spas looking to capitalise on inbound tourism to UK to are in luck. VisitBritain has announced the UK will top 40 million inbound visits by the end of the year – beating the tourism agency’s ambition to reach the figure by 2020.
According to the group, there were a record-breaking 39 million inbound tourism visits to the UK in 2017 (up 4 per cent on 2016). That figure is expected to top 40 million this year, and this influx of overseas visitors is forecast to spend £26.3bn – good news for the hospitality and spa sectors.
Domestic tourism in England had also seen a boost with growth in both holidays and the number of people taking short breaks. VisitBritain states that domestic tourism accounted for almost 80 per cent of all tourism activity in 2017 and £70bn was spent by domestic tourists in England.
UK minister for tourism Michael Ellis said: “Tourism shows the world the best of our nation. As we approach the UK’s exit from the European Union, we are absolutely committed to helping the industry continue to grow, promoting the country as a must-visit destination and ensuring that local communities benefit.”
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