Inbound tourist spending in the UK 2023

International tourism expenditure in the United Kingdom rose significantly in 2022 over the previous year, after dropping sharply with the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Overall, international tourism spending in the UK amounted to roughly 26.5 billion British pounds in 2022, increasing by nearly 21 billion British pounds from 2021 but remaining below pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, the inbound tourism expenditure is forecast to grow further, reaching an estimated 30.9 billion British pounds and surpassing the peak reported in 2019. Meanwhile, the number of overseas resident visits to the UK also did not catch up with pre-pandemic figures in 2022.

Spending of international visitors to the United Kingdom (UK) from 2004 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 (in billion GBP)

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Release date

July 2023

More information

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

2004 to 2022

Method of interview

Face-to-face interview

Supplementary notes

¹ 2023 data has been forecast by Visit Britain as of July 18, 2023, based on various sources, including passenger numbers by mode of transport and figures on flight bookings. Please find here additional information related to the methodology.

Estimates based on the International Passenger Survey (IPS). Interviews are conducted with passengers arriving and departing from the country and include visits for all purposes, including for vacation, business, study, visiting friends and family, and other leisure purposes. The annual (non-forecast) results are as reported by the Office for National Statistics.

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