Travel's £80bn contribution to UK economy laid bare in new report

It comes as Rishi Sunak establishes his new government and chancellor Jeremy Hunt prepares his Autumn Statement on 17 November.

The associations are urging the government to recognise the valuable contribution international travel makes to the UK economy, and the role they will play in driving the UK’s wider economic recovery and growth.

Members of both associations are urged to share the report’s findings with local MPs and other representatives.

‘Powerful force for good’

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Abta has long argued that travel is a powerful force for good in the world, and this report shows very clearly that is as true here in the UK as in destinations around the globe. 

"At a time when the industry is experiencing serious challenges, with rising energy costs and consumers facing a cost of living squeeze, it is vital that policymakers recognise the critical role that international travel plays in the UK economy. 

“This is especially true for the outbound sector, which is too often seen in a negative light, but which this report shows clearly remains a vital employer and a crucial economic driver for communities across the UK.”
 
Joss Croft, UKinbound chief executive, added: “The inbound and outbound tourism industries have a symbiotic relationship and looking forward, it is critical that government implement policies and funding that support the recovery and growth of businesses across the UK’s international travel sector, which supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across all four corners of the country.”