New knowledge from the World Journey & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals the UK fell out of the highest 5 greatest tourism markets in 2020.
Figures recommend the hospitality sector struggling a punishing GDP fall of 63 per cent final yr.
The autumn from fifth place in 2019 to eighth place in 2020 noticed it maintain one of many greatest collapses of the ten largest tourism markets, as a result of persevering with journey restrictions, and what the WTTC referred to as “pointless and crushing quarantines”.
In the meantime, the US maintained its place as the most important international tourism market, regardless of struggling a 41 per cent fall in GDP final yr.
China additionally stored its place as second greatest tourism market, however skilled a more durable GDP fall of 60 per cent, with Japan barely enhancing its rating – from fourth to 3rd – shouldering a GDP fall practically half that of China, of simply 37 per cent.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC chief government, stated: “With constructive information from throughout Europe in regards to the gradual reopening of borders we hope to see many extra international locations undertake a extra risk-based strategy.
“This may restore mobility safely via speedy testing and well being and hygiene protocols to help the vaccination rollout.”
She added: “Nevertheless, the UK was one of the crucial closely impacted of the most important tourism markets, falling out of the highest 5 to eighth place because of the damaging and ineffective quarantines and unhelpful persevering with journey restrictions.
“Regardless of the restrictions designed to curb the unfold of the pandemic, the US and China maintained their respective positions as first and second greatest tourism markets.”
