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Tourism decline "weeks not months", claim emergency group
UK tourism leaders have looked to Madrid as an indication that the London bombings will not have a long term damaging effect on tourism to Britain.
At a meeting of the tourism emergency response group, industry bodies measured the likely downturn in “weeks not months” and united behind the “business as usual” message to international visitors.
The group, which includes VisitBritain, British Hospitality Association, Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, ABTA, VisitLondon, VisitScotland and British Airways, is due to meet again tomorrow.
A VisitBritain spokesman refused to be drawn on the extent of any tourism decline, preferring to see “actual figures” rather than hazarding a guess.
Earlier, the World Travel and Tourism Council predicted almost 600,000 overseas visitors would turn their back on Britain following the bombings.
“It is too early to make an accurate assessment but we believe the downturn will be short term, weeks not months,” said a VisitBritain spokesman. “After the Madrid train bombings in March last year, the city went through a temporary downturn but by the end of the year visitor numbers had increased 11% year on year. We believe London will get back on its feet quickly. Despite what happened, the UK has a very impressive track record on safety and is perceived as safe.”
He added the images over the weekend of thousands of people gathered in The Mall “said more than 1000 words ever could.”
Although “risk averse” Japanese tourists had cancelled trips to London, Americans – widely thought to be reluctant to travel – were continuing with their plans, he said.
“American carriers are experiencing no increase in cancellations,” the spokesman said.
“If we see evidence that recovery in specific markets is taking longer we will adapt our marketing accordingly.”
It emerged this morning however that US military personnel based in the UK were being told by their superiors to stay away from London. Japan was also continuing with advice issued on the day of the bombings to steer clear of the capital.
The VisitBritain spokesman added they were “relatively confident” the domestic market would remain unscathed.
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