The Value of Visitation: Tourism’s Contribution to UK Growth

This report reveals just how much tourism powers the UK economy, from job creation and tax revenues to the shifting patterns of inbound and domestic travel, and where the growth opportunities lie next. We conducted this economic modeling and analysis for VisitBritain/VisitEngland.

Report highlights

Tourism contributed £147 billion to UK GDP in 2024, 5% of the entire national economy. And this isn’t concentrated in a handful of hotspots: every region and nation in the UK sees at least a 4% contribution to their local economy.

Tourism is also a major employer and supports nearly 1 in every 15 jobs across the UK, around 2.4 million in total, with every region and nation relying on tourism for at least 5% of local employment. The industry also generated £52 billion in tax revenue for the UK Government in 2024.

Looking ahead, tourism’s value is set to climb to £161 billion by 2030 (in 2024 prices), a 9.3% real-terms increase that outpaces growth forecast for the UK economy as a whole (8.8%). Inbound tourism will be a key driver, with its value expected to grow by 32% (£9.4 billion) between 2024 and 2030. Altogether, the sector is projected to create 175,000 additional jobs by 2030.