UK targets 50 million annual visitors by 2030

The government aims to boost tourism by establishing a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council.

UK Flag | Representational image | Commons

New Delhi: The UK government announced a target to welcome 50 million international visitors annually by 2030. This ambitious goal is part of a broader strategy to maintain the country’s position as a leading global tourist destination and stimulate economic growth, a government press release stated.

 

Tourism Minister Chris Bryant, speaking at the Tourism Alliance conference in London Tuesday, outlined the government’s plans for the tourism sector to be a key driver of its growth agenda. To spearhead this next phase of growth, the government is establishing a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, co-chaired by the minister, the release stated. This council will facilitate collaboration between industry and government, working to develop a National Visitor Economy Strategy.

The strategy, according to the release, is slated for release next autumn and will outline plans to support the expansion of the tourism industry.

This strategy will prioritize boosting tourism beyond London. While the capital attracts tens of millions of visitors annually, the government recognizes the potential for increasing visits to other cities and regions. This will be achieved through enhanced marketing efforts, reforms to tourist boards, addressing skills gaps in the visitor economy, and more effectively showcasing the UK’s cultural offerings.

The UK attracted 38 million visitors last year, compared to 41 million in 2019 before the pandemic.

“I am passionate about making the UK a top visitor destination that truly rivals our European counterparts,” Bryant said. “But we can only do that if we work together. We need a true partnership between the government and the sector to deliver such growth.”

The tourism industry is worth £74 billion to the UK economy and represents 4% of GVA, with huge potential for further growth, pursuing the government to see tourism as an essential part of its economic growth mission, added the release.