United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
WTTC: UK ignoring retail tourism boom
The UK is missing out on the boom in retail tourism, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says.
It published the Global Retail Tourism Trends and Insights report, and says other countries are reaping an economic boost.
The sector remains underserved by the UK Government, WTTC says.
In 2019 retail tourism represented $178 billion to the global economy.
The UK retail sector is not witnessing the same levels of growth enjoyed by France, the U.S. and Italy, in part due to the so-called tourist tax.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “Retail tourism is not about souvenir shopping; it is an economic powerhouse, a key driver of job creation.”
The UK Government must acknowledge the valuable role of retail tourism in shaping the future.”
“The Chinese visitor is choosing France and Italy over the UK. We need leadership that invests in growth now.”
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights