Economic Value of Tourism
Released on:
20 January 2026
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About the report
This report demonstrates the impact of tourism to the UK economy, and to the UK’s nations and regions. It explores tourism’s importance to job creation, tax revenues, patterns in inbound and domestic tourism, and growth potential.
The economic modelling and analysis was conducted by Oxford Economics for VisitBritain/VisitEngland.
Report highlights
Tourism’s GDP impact in the UK totalled £147 billion, or 5% of the national economy, in 2024. Tourism contributes at least 4% to GDP across all regions and nations in the UK.
Tourism demonstrates its importance as a major employer, supporting nearly one in every 15 jobs across the UK, about 2.4 million jobs. The industry’s value extends beyond major cities accounting for at least 5% of jobs in every region and nation of Britain.
Tourism generated £52 billion in tax revenues for the UK Government in 2024.
The value of total tourism activity in the UK is expected to reach £161 billion by 2030 in 2024 prices, growth of 9.3% when adjusted for inflation and ahead of the UK economy overall at 8.8%. Inbound tourism is forecast to drive much of this, with growth in value of 32%, £9.4 billion, between 2024 and 2030. The industry is predicted to create an additional 175,000 jobs in the UK by 2030.
