The number of overseas visitors to the UK dropped in 2018, despite favourable exchange rates and record-breaking temperatures. The latest ‘Travel Trends’ report released by the Office of National Statistics today has revealed that there were a total of 37.9 million visits made by overseas residents to the UK in 2018, down 3% on 2017.
The amount of money spent by overseas visitors also fell by 7% to £22.9bn. Meanwhile, UK residents made 71.7 million visits overseas, down 1% on the previous year, although spending rose by 1% to £45.4bn.
“Most worrying for hoteliers, restaurateurs and retailers is the decline in spending”
Commenting on the new figures, Ian Bell, head of travel and tourism at audit, tax and consulting firm RSM said: “It’s really disappointing to see a drop in the number of visitors coming to the UK – and most worrying for hoteliers, restaurateurs and retailers is the decline in spending.
“The UK benefitted from a post-Olympic boom in the years after 2012, so it would be really disappointing if this were to mark the start of a downward trend in the appeal of the UK as a tourist destination.
Bell continued: “The UK tourist industry will have to work hard to fight for its share of the tourist market but there are clouds on the horizon. Following Edinburgh’s lead, a number of local authorities appear to be pushing for the introduction of local tourist taxes. If and when these are introduced, they could take the shine off a number of popular destinations.
“Given last year’s heatwave and the pound’s weakness, it’s probably less surprising that there was a drop in the numbers of UK residents travelling overseas. This year we could well see a further decline as a result of Brexit uncertainty, but the staycationers could provide a welcome boost for the UK economy.”
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