Confidence levels among Britain’s inbound operators have risen slightly, according to the latest research.
A September/October survey by UKinbound, in conjunction with Qa Research, found 60% of respondents are confident about the upcoming 12 months, a 7% increase on figures for July/August.
Members said their greater confidence was down to strong forward bookings, the optimism of their overseas clients, and a closer partnership with China.
Bookings, visitor numbers and customer orders were higher or the same as last year for 72% of respondents.
Some 80% said yield was above or the same as 2016, and of those that cited yield had increased, it was by an average of 30%. ~
Some 57% of members said the exchange rate has resulted in more business, and 23% indicated it had led to higher spending at attractions.
UKinbound CEO Deirdre Wells OBE said: "It’s been an uncertain year for many of our members due to the economic and political climate, but these latest Business Barometer results are encouraging. I’m pleased to hear that confidence levels have risen and that our members are finding year-on-year figures up. This highlights the resilience of our industry.
"Looking to 2018, we await the results of the Tourism Sector Deal bid, where we hope the tourism industry and our members receive the support and investment required for further long-term prosperity."
UKinbound represents nearly 400 of the country’s key tourism businesses.
