Visit Greenwich
The Return of Tourism
As the UK recovers from a second year of the pandemic, the tourism industry is ready and waiting to welcome back visitors from overseas. For 2021, VisitBritain estimated that inbound tourism spend would be £6.2 billion, just 22% of the 2019 level while domestic tourism spend was forecast as £56.2bn. 65% up on 2020, yet still only 61% of the level of spending seen in 2019.
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efore the pandemic, VisitBritain forecast that tourism would be worth more than £257 billion by 2025, just under 10% of UK GDP and supporting 3.7 million jobs - around 11% of the UK total. The sector was predicted to grow at an annual rate of 3.8%, significantly faster than the overall UK economy and other sectors such as manufacturing, construction and retail. Unfortunately, much has changed in the last 24 months.
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This year, after a difficult start due to the Omicron variant, figures are set for a gradual increase in inbound volume and value throughout the rest of 2022. With traveller confidence returning and the easing of travel restrictions, inbound visits are forecast to increase to 21.1 million and spending to £16.9 billion – three times that of 2021. By the end of 2022 it is estimated that visits will have recovered to around two thirds of pre-COVID levels, with the hope of seeing a rise back to “normal” by 2025. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes a significant contribution to this vibrant and vital sector, and this year there is plenty happening in the home of time to aid
recovery. From the launch of brand new visitor experiences like the Cutty Sark Rig Climb and immersive events such as Dreamachine and Punchdrunk’s The Burnt City in the heart of Woolwich’s cultural district, to the opening of new shops, bars, restaurants and art installations borough-wide. Responsible for tourism in the Royal Borough, Visit Greenwich is busy planning for the year ahead, working with partners and local businesses to oversee a number of campaigns designed to drive footfall and spend in the area.
Escape the Everyday Visit Greenwich recently learned of its success in bidding for a second round of Visit England’s Escape the Everyday funding. Running from April to June, the Destination Management Organisation will be working with the City of London, other London World Heritage Sites and Royal Boroughs on a domestic marketing campaign targeting pre-nesters to inspire them to book a short break by showcasing the incredible experiences that the area has to offer.
