Visit England has this week launched a major new report, “Economic Value of Tourism in the United Kingdom.”
This latest research shows tourism is worth £147 billion annually to the UK, about 5% of the national economy, when including both direct and supply chain impacts. Tourism is larger than the insurance and pensions sectors put together and employs more people than those and financial services combined. The study found that tourism generated £52 billion in tax revenues for the UK government in 2024, more than half the wages bill of the NHS in England.
Other key findings from the report include:
- Tourism is a major employer — supporting nearly one in every 15 jobs across the UK, about 2.4 million jobs. The industry’s value extends beyond major cities accounting for at least 5% of jobs in every region and nation of Britain. It also creates first jobs and opportunities for young people and upskills younger workers at the beginning of their careers. The industry is predicted to create an additional 175,000 jobs in the UK by 2030.
- The value of total tourism activity in the UK is expected to reach £161 billion by 2030, growth of 9.3% when adjusted for inflation and ahead of the UK economy overall (8.8%). Inbound tourism is forecast to drive much of this, with growth in value of 32%, between 2024 and 2030.
- Domestic tourism plays a vital role in supporting rural and coastal destinations — 84% of domestic overnight tourism spending is in destinations outside of London. Converting just 10% of what Brits spend on travelling abroad to holidaying at home could deliver an £8 billion boost annually to the economy.
- USA continues to be an important market, forecast to be worth £7.6 billion to the UK economy in 2026 and accounting for more than £1 in every £5 of inbound visitor spending.
- Tourism to the UK from emerging markets including China and India is predicted to grow rapidly, by 12% annually combined by 2030.
For further information, visit Economic Value of Tourism in the United Kingdom‘