On the anniversary of the UK’s first lockdown, UKinbound hosted a virtual CEO Roundtable for industry leaders to discuss the challenges facing inbound tourism businesses in 2021/2022.
It was attended virtually by more than 100 CEOs, managing directors and business owners in an open discussion forum to share insights on the key issues affecting inbound tourism.
Main issues raised included the implications of vaccine certificates, US market demand and the return of EU visitors, as well as strategies to successfully attract tourists back to the UK.
"The UK’s inbound tourism industry has a long road to recovery but as we’ve discovered throughout the pandemic, we are stronger if we work together, which is why we held this event," said Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound.
"Generating business, a stop-start restart and cashflow are all key concerns of inbound tourism businesses across the UK and many of the issues, examples and suggestions discussed today will directly feed into our response to the Government’s Global Travel Taskforce."
"We need Government to move quickly and implement a comprehensive reopening plan for inbound tourism, as it will take time for consumers to regain confidence to book a holiday to the UK," Croft added.
It will be several months yet before there is a meaningful resumption of international travel and it is essential the Government gets it right, Croft says.
"Businesses and people’s livelihoods continue to be at risk. Only when all barriers at our borders are removed will our industry be able to begin its full recovery."
