The UK is anticipating a robust year in 2023, with inbound visitor spending predicted to grow faster than visitor volume.

According to VisitBritain’s recently published inbound tourism forecast for 2023, spending by international visitors in the UK in 2023 is forecast at $46 billion, up 4% on the all-time spending high of $44.3 billion in 2019. As for the number of visits to the UK, 35.1 million visits are forecast, 86% of the 40.9 million in 2019.

VisitBritain has also upgraded its end of year forecast for 2022 to 29.7 million inbound visits to the UK, 73% of 2019, and spending of $40.4 billion, 91% of 2019. This follows an increase in overseas visitor spending in the UK this year with higher spend per visit and longer stays, based on the latest data.

Visits from Canada and the United States were particularly strong through the summer, reaching 2.1 million between June and August, up 7% on the same period in 2019 and marking the highest August on record for visits from North America.

VisitBritain is set to launch e new GREAT Britain marketing campaign to drive bookings, inspiring visitors to ‘See Things Differently,’ promoting messages of warm welcome and highlighting Britain as a dynamic, adventurous and inclusive destination. The campaign will also capture major events set to take place in 2023, including the Coronation of King Charles III in May, and the Liverpool hosting the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, also in May.

According to research conducted by VisitBritain in 2022, exploring Britain’s history and heritage is the top motivator for international travellers keen to visit this year, followed by visiting the UKs towns and cities. The research also found that the biggest drivers for visitors globally in choosing a destination include ‘good value for money’ and a ‘welcoming place to visit.’ More than half of respondents who were hoping to travel had also not decided on a destination, presenting valuable opportunities for travel advisors to influence destination choice and drive bookings.

For more information on VisitBritain’s inbound tourism forecast, go to visitbritain.org/forecast.

Source: Travelweek