UK outbound travel forecast to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2024
Will PayneUK outbound travel figures are set to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2024, according to new research by GlobalData.
The country’s outbound travel figures are estimated to reach 86.9 million by 2024 – surpassing the 84.7 million figure recorded in 2019 despite the economic decline in Europe.
Budget-friendly travel – especially in the country’s favourite holiday destination, Spain – is set to be most popular.
GlobalData’s latest report, United Kingdom Source Tourism Insight, 2022 Update, notes the recovery in outbound tourism follows a weak 2020 and 2021, where lower traveller confidence and strict Covid-19 measures saw the UK’s outbound tourism numbers shrink to a fraction of those for 2019.
Megan Cross, travel and tourism analyst at GlobalData, said: "With restrictions now eased, and confidence returning, projections for 2022 and beyond are much brighter. This recovery will be a great boost, as the UK is an important source market on the global stage."
Cross said periods of high inflation will typically see "severely" dampened demand for international travel, but demand is still intact. "Many European travellers keen on keeping their holiday plans may simply cut the amount they spend on products and services both before and during their trips," she added.
According to GlobalData, Spain remains the number one outbound destination for British tourists due to easy, direct travel routes between the two countries.
"The absence of British tourists during the pandemic impacted many countries, especially in Europe," Cross added. "Destinations that can cater to British travellers’ specific needs will see their recovery timelines shortened in the coming years."
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