The report, International Travel: Powering the UK Economy, looks at the combined value of UK inbound and outbound tourism based on research from consultants York Aviation.
The report finds that each year, UK international travel contributes £80 billion to the UK economy in Gross Value Added (GVA), equivalent to 4% of total UK GVA.
The authors claim travel supports 1.5 million jobs – 4.5% of all UK jobs and provides £13.2 billion in taxes. York Aviation also estimates travel generates £84 billion in related spending across the UK.
The report said travel could outperform average growth for the UK economy over the next five years, with inbound travel forecast to grow 20% and outbound travel 15%. These figures compared to forecast growth of 10.3% in the wider UK economy by 2027.
Abta and UKinbound said they had produced the report “to demonstrate to government and politicians that while outbound and inbound sectors have different customers and operate in different markets, the two sectors are interdependent and interlinked”.
“Not only do both industries share the same physical infrastructure, such as ports and airports, but the two-way travel flows they provide also support the viability of vital air, sea, and rail links that underpin the UK’s international connectivity,” the report concluded.
It comes as Rishi Sunak establishes his new government and chancellor Jeremy Hunt prepares his Autumn Statement on 17 November.
The associations are urging the government to recognise the valuable contribution international travel makes to the UK economy, and the role they will play in driving the UK’s wider economic recovery and growth.
Members of both associations are urged to share the report’s findings with local MPs and other representatives.
‘Powerful force for good’
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Abta has long argued that travel is a powerful force for good in the world, and this report shows very clearly that is as true here in the UK as in destinations around the globe.
"At a time when the industry is experiencing serious challenges, with rising energy costs and consumers facing a cost of living squeeze, it is vital that policymakers recognise the critical role that international travel plays in the UK economy.
“This is especially true for the outbound sector, which is too often seen in a negative light, but which this report shows clearly remains a vital employer and a crucial economic driver for communities across the UK.”
Joss Croft, UKinbound chief executive, added: “The inbound and outbound tourism industries have a symbiotic relationship and looking forward, it is critical that government implement policies and funding that support the recovery and growth of businesses across the UK’s international travel sector, which supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across all four corners of the country.”
