We predict that 2020 will be a record year

AT this time of year when we are planning our holidays, it is worth remembering how well Britain competes for international visitors and their spending.

Inbound tourism today is one of our most valuable export industries, the UK’s third largest service export. It is worth more than £26.6billion annually, driving economic growth right across the country.

During the last 10 years international visits have grown 33 per cent and spending by overseas visitors by 58 per cent.

If you include domestic tourism, the industry is worth £127billion employing 3.8 million people in every constituency. For every 22 visits from China, one job is created in UK tourism. This is an industry that attracts international investment too: 2018 saw £7.7billion into British hotels, outperforming the rest of Europe

Looking ahead at 2020, VisitBritain has forecast a record year. We are predicting growth from our long-haul, high-spending markets including the US, our largest and most valuable inbound market, and from markets that are crucial for our future such as China.

The trend from our long-haul markets overall has been one of rapid growth, up 11 per cent from 2016 to 2018. As the tourism body we show a positive and welcoming image of Britain to the world. Our campaigns focus on driving up value, telling the story of people and places and encouraging visitors to travel further and stay longer.

Growth from Europe has been a little slower with the uncertainty of Brexit, so we are working with the tourism industry to inform European visitors about the practicalities.

We will be launching a campaign to ensure Europeans book their trips for this year.

We look forward to continuing to work with businesses and the new government to harness the energy and ambition shown by the signing of the Tourism Sector Deal, driving investment and boosting economic delivery right across the country.