New ONS figures show that tourism visits increased 112% year-on-year, generating £30bn in revenue - but the UK still remains 9% down on 2019 levels.
UKHospitality is calling for the Government to address the UK’s lack of competitiveness on the global tourism market, beginning with a cut to VAT for hospitality, tourism and leisure.
Measures to make the UK more competitive and attractive for foreign visitors can help visitor numbers return to, and exceed, pre-pandemic levels.
UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls said the figures show tourism is making a “strong, albeit delayed” recovery from the pandemic, as foreign visitors show continued demand to visit.
However, she said it was worrying the UK still remains almost 10% behind pre-pandemic levels.
“Our 20% rate of VAT ranks among the highest in Europe and the introduction of tourist taxes in Scotland and Wales will further add to the cost of visiting,” Nicholls said.
“A reduced rate of VAT for hospitality, leisure and tourism is proven to stimulate demand, both from abroad and domestically, and generate revenue.
“It is the single biggest measure the Government can introduce to boost the sector and I would urge them to do just that at the earliest opportunity.”
