Confidence in UK inbound tourism at ’12-month high’

Confidence levels among the UK’s hospitality and tourism businesses are at a 12-month high, according to new figures released by trade association UKinbound.

The survey of UKinbound members – including hotel groups, tourist attractions and tour operators – found bookings and visitor numbers in July and August were up year-on-year, with the US leading as the top inbound growth market.

Some 67% of respondents said they are confident that bookings and visitor revenues will develop positively in the next 12 months, compared with just 42% in May this year.

In the survey, 71% of members ranked free movement of visitors from the European Union (EU) as the top policy that the government should address following the country’s decision to leave the EU. This was followed by the free movement of migrant workers.

Deirdre Wells, CEO, said: “It’s incredibly encouraging to hear that confidence levels have spiked for our members, exceeding those experienced pre and post-Brexit.

“Further positive news was reported via our survey with 44% of our members stating that bookings and visitor numbers in July and August 2016 were up year-on-year. The weakness of the pound, increased demand from European markets and better weather were all cited as reasons behind the increase.”