New Data Reveals High Confidence Levels for UK Inbound Tourism Industry Apr/May 2023
The latest data from leading travel trade association UKinbound shows that confidence levels for the UK’s inbound tourism industry are at their highest level for the past three years. The association, which represents over 300 UK tourism businesses that service international tourists visiting the UK (inbound tourism), undertook its latest business barometer member survey in March 2023.
CONDUCTED BY QA RESEARCH, THE SURVEY SHOWS THAT: • 86% of respondents said they were feeling confident about bookings and revenue for the next 12 months (compared to 63% of respondents in April 2022, 34% in April 2021 and 11% in April 2020) • Expected or confirmed bookings for Q2 of 2023 are at the same level or higher than they were pre-pandemic for nearly two thirds of businesses responding to the survey • Just over two thirds of businesses responding to the survey stated they expected revenue for Q2 of 2023 and booking levels for Q3 of 2023 to be the same or higher than before the pandemic
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• There is strong demand from US visitors to come to the UK with nearly half of businesses (48%) responding to the survey reporting they are seeing growth from this market Businesses were also asked if they had seen an increase in bookings or enquiries from international visitors due to The King’s Coronation and/or The Eurovision Contest in May but only 16% of respondents had seen an uptick in business due to these events. Joss Croft OBE, CEO of UKinbound commented “It is a relief to see that so many businesses in the inbound tourism industry are feeling so confident about current and future bookings and revenue and that there is a very high demand from our US visitors to come to the UK. “The return of the Chinese market will of course take some time to come back and although our members are not reporting a huge increase in interest or bookings from international visitors related to the forthcoming Coronation or Eurovision Song Contest – we know that historically we usually see an increase in the desire to visit the UK after these type of events have taken place due to the substantial increase in media coverage and showcasing of the UK around the world.”
Entries are Being Sought for the National Pubwatch Awards 2023 Pubwatches are being encouraged to enter the 2023 National Pubwatch awards, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon, which recognise the work of schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments. Finalists will get to attend a prestigious awards dinner in the House of Lords on 17 October 2023. Chair of National Pubwatch Steve Baker OBE said: “These awards promote good practice and recognise those pubwatches and publicans that are working hard to provide safe and responsible drinking environments. He added: “This national award is a fantastic opportunity to promote the work of a local Pubwatch scheme, receive recognition at a national level and celebrate these achievements at a prestigious event.” Wetherspoon legal director Nigel Connor said: “Pubwatches only work because of the fantastic day to day efforts of their many members but it is still important to specifically recognise those schemes and individuals which go the extra mile and provide an example to others. The National Pubwatch awards help do that and Wetherspoon is pleased to support them for the fourth successive year.”
The 2022 winner was Reading Pubwatch, which was recognised for the range of new initiatives launched including a new standard operating procedure for licensed premises, a drink spiking campaign, increased security searches and the running of anti-terrorist seminars. The pubwatch was also rewarded for its robust banning system that has had over one hundred offenders being banned for a period of three months through to five years. Bill Donne, honorary secretary of Reading Pubwatch, said: “We were honoured to have won the prestigious National Pubwatch of the Year award in 2022 against stiff competition. To receive the award at the House of Lords was such a highlight. He added: “You need tenacity and resilience to run a successful pubwatch and that is how Reading has lasted for 20 years. The win has given members a real boost that the partnership working we spearhead with organisations such as the council, Police, BIDs, street pastors, Fire and Rescue, and the Security Industry Authority is really proving successful in creating a safe late-night economy.” The application process will close on Friday, 18 August 2023. To submit an on-line application to enter the National Pubwatch Awards 2022 now go to www.nationalpubwatch.org.uk
