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UK’s Outbound Travel Industry Contributes £51.6bn to Economy, Calls for Government Support: ABTA – Image Credit Unsplash
- According to ABTA figures, the UK’s outbound travel industry generated £51.6bn for the economy in 2023, a 5% increase from 2019.
- The industry, which supports 818,000 jobs, risks stalling without a supportive policy framework, particularly given the increased costs from national insurance increases and Air Passenger Duty.
The UK’s outbound travel industry has shown significant growth, contributing £51.6bn to the UK economy in 2023, a 5% increase from 2019, according to data from ABTA, the Travel Association. This sector also supports 818,000 jobs nationwide, demonstrating its critical role in national and local economies.
ABTA advocates for the outbound travel industry’s potential to support the Government’s growth agenda, given the right policy framework. However, it warns that growth may stall without this support, expressing concerns over consumer and business confidence after the recent Budget announcement.
The industry faces challenges such as additional employment costs for travel businesses due to employer national insurance increases and a scheduled 14% increase in Air Passenger Duty on short-haul economy flights from April 2026.
The Association is eager to collaborate with the Government to maximize the industry’s potential. Suggested policy areas include supporting the decarbonization of aviation and cruises, reforming business rates to value high street businesses, and improving trading arrangements with the EU, including a youth mobility deal to enable UK nationals to work in temporary tourism roles overseas.
ABTA’s Chief Executive, Mark Tanzer, emphasized the travel industry’s potential to stimulate growth despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and increased business costs.
The data was released at ABTA’s Travel Matters event in Westminster. A full report detailing the findings will be published in early 2025. ABTA’s proposals to the Government are available in their Manifesto for Travel and Tourism.
