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July is strong month for UK inbound tourism
Visitor numbers to the UK were up 3.7% in July compared to July 2005, according to the latest business barometer from trade organisation Ukinbound.
The barometer is based on a confidential online survey of Ukinbound’s 290 members, which have 4,000 outlets in the UK.
It also found that forward bookings in July were 8.4% up on the previous July.
“July was certainly the best month this year for inbound tourism and while these modest increases over July last year are in themselves no cause for celebration they do go some way to indicate the robustness and efficiency of our sector,” said Ukinbound chief executive Stephen Dowd.
“The travails of recent years have made tour operators and suppliers more adept at planning for changing circumstances and nimble in shifting their sales and marketing activity.
“Indeed, adversity seems to have instilled a new self-assurance in our lean and focused business operations and there is little evidence of the over capacity and price slashing that is currently blighting the outbound sector. “
The July survey also asked members if they had in-house staff training and development programmes, he added.
“With over 76% of respondents confirming they have programmes in place, up from 55% two years ago, it is clear that the private sector is investing to ensure that our industry has the structure, staff, skills and products to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“What a pity then that Government, who spend less on tourism now than 10 years ago, is not prepared to do the same.
“What a shame for UK tourism that the good work of our security services in thwarting a terrorist attack should be undermined by TV images of the shambolic introduction and management of new security measures at key airports.
“What a disgrace that the Local Government Association thinks that taxing tourists further is the answer. “
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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