Travel agents helping drive post-Covid economic recovery – ONS
James ChappleTravel agents are helping the UK economy recover from the Covid crisis by capitalising on renewed demand for leisure travel as consumer confidence rebounds following the easing of travel restrictions.
New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal UK GDP, gross domestic product, grew by 0.1% in February.
The ONS cited renewed travel and tourist activity as one of the key factors behind the latest increase, following growth of 0.8% in February.
The organisation highlighted travel agents, in particular, for their contribution to renewed growth in "services".
"Services grew by 0.2% and was the main contributor to February’s growth in GDP," said the ONS.
"The services growth in February 2022 was mainly driven by tourism-related industries with increases in both travel agency, tour operator and other reservation service and related activities."
This business grew by 33% month-on-month from January into February said the ONS, with accommodation sales up by 23% month-on-month.
The ONS said the reduction in Covid-19 restrictions was having a "positive effect" on the tourism industry, driving "widespread positive growth".
Economic output from all consumer-facing services, such as travel agents, grew by 0.7% in February, which follows 2% growth in January.
Darren Morgan, ONS director of economic statistics, said: "The economy was little changed in February with the easing of restrictions for overseas travel – and increased confidence in booking holidays in the UK – triggering strong growth in travel agencies, tour operators and hotels."
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