In a speech to the tourism sector Culture Secretary Maria Miller today outlined plans for Britain’s aim to welcome 40 million overseas visitors per year, spending £31.5 billion, by 2020.
The strategy, produced by national tourism agency Visit Britain, will unite government and the travel industry with key public and private sector bodies in a long-term ambition for growth by supporting an extra 200,000 jobs across the country.
Last year Britain welcomed a record 31 million international tourists, who spent £18.6 billion. Our new target will see a 29% growth in visits, which will deliver an extra £8.7 billion in foreign exchange earnings (in real terms).
The growth strategy is built around four key areas:
- building on Britain’s improved international image
- increasing engagement with the travel trade
- broadening the product range on offer for inbound tourists
- making it easier to get to Britain
For further information, please see the full media release.