UK tourism deficit rises to £20b-plus in 2008

The UK's tourism deficit rose to more than £20b in 2008, as the number of foreign tourists visiting the country fell sharply in the last quarter, official figures revealed today.
 
Overseas residents' visits to the UK fell by 5% between October and December to 7.4 million with visits from North America were 27% down on a year earlier at 670,000, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.  Europeans made 10% fewer trips at 5.41 million.

The drop led to the overall tourism deficit for 2008 to rise to £20.2b deficit on tourism, up from £19b in 2007.

The number of visits dropped despite the fall in the value of sterling, which the industry hopes will drive an increase in tourism from both international and domestic holidaymakers.

VisitBritain this week unveiled plans to re-market the UK as a value destination in order to attract more tourists.

Christopher Rodrigues, chairman of VisitBritain, said the weak pound could result in up to five million additional domestic breaks being taken this year - if the industry gets the message across.

"For both overseas and domestic markets, people have to understand we’re good value and it is less expensive than overseas," he said.

Rodrigues added that a PR campaign was already underway to push the value message through the UK’s national newspapers, while a national television advertising campaign starting in April will further drive home the message.

Weak pound could boost UK tourism >>

Tourism industry needs needs to focus on growing economies >>

Will new markets replace the absent US tourists? >>

Travelodge boss urges Government to tackle decline in tourism growth >>


By Daniel Thomas

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