Tourism in the UK
Tourism in the UK plays a vital role in the country’s economy, culture, and international reputation. With its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cities, the UK attracts millions of visitors each year from all over the world. From the historic streets of London and Edinburgh to the scenic countryside of the Lake District and the coasts of Cornwall, the country offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. The UK’s world-class museums, theatres, castles, and royal heritage continue to be major draws, alongside annual events like Wimbledon, Glastonbury Festival, and the Edinburgh Fringe.
In recent years, the UK tourism sector has faced challenges due to global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted international travel. However, recovery efforts have been steady, with rising domestic tourism and gradual growth in overseas visits. Travelers are increasingly seeking cultural, family-oriented, and experience-based holidays, and the UK has adapted to meet these evolving preferences. With ongoing investment in sustainable tourism and hospitality infrastructure, the UK remains one of the most attractive and accessible travel destinations in the world.
UK Tourism Statistics 2023
- Overseas residents made 38.0 million visits to the UK in 2023, an increase from 31.2 million visits in 2022.
- Spending by overseas visitors in the UK totalled £31.1 billion in 2023, which is £4.6 billion more than the spending recorded in 2022.
- UK residents made 86.2 million visits abroad in 2023, compared to 71.0 million in 2022, showing a significant rise in international travel.
- UK residents spent £72.4 billion on visits abroad in 2023, an increase of £13.9 billion compared to the previous year.
- Holidays were the main reason for overseas residents visiting London, accounting for 53% of all visits; however, in most other UK regions, the leading reason was to visit friends or relatives.
- Spain was the top destination for UK residents in 2023, making up 21% of all overseas trips, followed by France (11%), Italy (6%), and Greece (5%).
Overseas Visits to the UK – 2023
| Metric | 2022 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visits to the UK (millions) | 31.2 million | 38.0 million | +6.8 million |
| Visitor Spending (£ billion) | £26.5 billion | £31.1 billion | +£4.6 billion |
| Average Spend per Visit | £696 | £819 | +£123 |
| Average Spend per Day | £98 (2019) | £106 | +£8 |
Overseas tourism in the UK saw a strong bounce back in 2023. Visits increased by 6.8 million, from 31.2 million in 2022 to 38.0 million, showing a clear return of global travel confidence. Visitors also spent more, with total spending rising from £26.5 billion to £31.1 billion. This represents a £4.6 billion increase and signals that not only are more tourists arriving, but they’re also spending more while in the UK.
The average spend per visit rose from £696 to £819, while daily spending also went up, from £98 in 2019 to £106 in 2023. These figures likely reflect rising costs, extended stays, and inflation. The UK tourism sector appears to be recovering steadily, although overall figures remain slightly below pre-COVID levels.
UK Residents’ Visits Abroad – 2023
| Metric | 2022 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Trips Abroad (millions) | 71.0 million | 86.2 million | +15.2 million |
| Spending Abroad (£ billion) | £58.5 billion | £72.4 billion | +£13.9 billion |
| Average Spend per Visit | £825 (approx) | £840 | +£15 |
| Average Spend per Day | £75 | £81 | +£6 |
UK residents also showed increased travel activity in 2023, with outbound trips rising from 71.0 million to 86.2 million—a 15.2 million trip jump. This surge aligns with eased travel restrictions and growing consumer confidence. Spending followed suit, jumping by £13.9 billion to reach a total of £72.4 billion, indicating that UK travelers are spending more on their holidays.
The average spend per visit increased modestly to £840, and daily spending rose to £81. These increases likely reflect higher airfare, accommodation costs, and inflation. While these numbers suggest a healthy rebound in outbound tourism, spending patterns also reveal the increased cost of international travel in a post-pandemic economy.
Visits to and from the UK (2013–2023)
| Year | UK Residents (Outbound Visits) | Overseas Residents (Inbound Visits to UK) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 68,959 | 33,567 |
| 2014 | 72,204 | 35,337 |
| 2015 | 77,619 | 36,792 |
| 2016 | 81,757 | 39,129 |
| 2017 | 87,242 | 41,080 |
| 2018 | 90,571 | 40,283 |
| 2019 | 93,086 | 40,857 |
| 2020 | 23,827 | 11,101 |
| 2021 | 19,142 | 6,384 |
| 2022 | 70,950 | 31,244 |
| 2023 | 86,205 | 37,959 |
The number of visits to and from the UK saw a steady rise from 2013 to 2019, reaching a peak of 93.1 million outbound UK trips and 40.9 million overseas visits to the UK in 2019. This upward trend was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, when international travel plummeted. In 2020, overseas visits to the UK dropped by over 70%, and UK residents’ outbound travel fell by nearly 75%, marking the lowest levels of international movement in a decade.
Recovery began in 2022 and continued through 2023, with 86.2 million outbound visits from UK residents and 38.0 million inbound visits by overseas residents. While the figures show a strong rebound, they remain slightly below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, indicating that while tourism is recovering, it hasn’t fully returned to former highs. This slow but steady return suggests ongoing caution among travelers and possible structural changes in international tourism post-pandemic.
Spending on Visits to and from the UK (2013–2023)
| Year | UK Residents (Spending Abroad) | Overseas Residents (Spending in the UK) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 41,369 | 22,238 |
| 2014 | 43,065 | 23,423 |
| 2015 | 46,480 | 23,839 |
| 2016 | 50,864 | 25,415 |
| 2017 | 54,426 | 28,396 |
| 2018 | 58,128 | 26,508 |
| 2019 | 62,325 | 28,448 |
| 2020 | 13,764 | 6,210 |
| 2021 | 15,547 | 5,646 |
| 2022 | 58,536 | 26,497 |
| 2023 | 72,436 | 31,075 |
The data shows a steady growth in tourism spending by both UK residents traveling abroad and overseas residents visiting the UK from 2013 to 2019. In 2019, UK residents spent £62.3 billion overseas, while overseas visitors spent £28.4 billion in the UK. However, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a dramatic fall in 2020, with outbound UK spending dropping to £13.8 billion, and overseas visitor spending falling to just £6.2 billion.
By 2023, spending had rebounded strongly. UK residents spent a record £72.4 billion abroad — £10.1 billion more than in 2019, and overseas visitors spent £31.1 billion in the UK — a £2.6 billion increase from pre-pandemic levels. This suggests a full recovery and even growth in the tourism economy, likely driven by pent-up demand, inflation, and increased travel costs post-pandemic.
Overseas Residents’ Visits to the UK – 2023
| Category | Value (2023) | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Total overseas visits to the UK | 38.0 million | Up from 31.2 million in 2022, but 7% below 2019 (40.9M) |
| Holiday visits | 15.9 million | 42% of total visits |
| Visiting friends or relatives | 12.8 million | Close to 2019 levels |
| Business visits | ~75% of 2019 level | Slower recovery due to remote work |
| North America visits | 6.1 million | Higher than pre-COVID |
| Other countries (non-EU, non-North America) | 7.0 million | Up from 4.8M in 2022; 2019 was 8.2M |
| Total spending by overseas residents | £31.1 billion | Up 17% from £26.5B in 2022 |
| Spending on holidays | £14.9 billion | — |
| Spending on visiting friends/relatives | £8.1 billion | — |
| Top visiting country | USA (5.1 million) | Most frequent visitor in 2023 |
| Other top countries | France (3.2M), Australia, Canada | Australia re-enters top 10 after 2019 |
In 2023, overseas visits to the UK continued their strong post-pandemic recovery. The total number of visits rose to 38.0 million, up from 31.2 million in 2022, though still 7% below the peak in 2019. Holidays remained the top reason for travel, accounting for 42% of all visits at 15.9 million. Visits to see friends and family were also high at 12.8 million, nearly matching 2019 levels. Business visits, however, remained below pre-pandemic figures, with recovery stuck at about 75% of 2019 levels—likely due to increased reliance on virtual meetings.
Visitors from North America exceeded pre-COVID numbers, especially for holidays, while visits from non-European, non-North American countries continued to recover—reaching 7.0 million in 2023, up from 4.8 million in 2022. Spending by overseas residents in the UK hit £31.1 billion, a 17% increase from 2022, likely influenced by more trips and inflation. The USA remained the top visiting country with 5.1 million visits, followed by France and Australia, which re-entered the top 10 visitor list after a strong 62% rise in visits.
Overseas Visits to the UK by Purpose (2013–2023)
| Year | Holiday | Business | Visit Friends or Relatives | Miscellaneous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12,973 | 8,114 | 9,558 | 2,922 |
| 2014 | 13,929 | 8,496 | 10,023 | 2,888 |
| 2015 | 14,173 | 8,983 | 10,573 | 3,063 |
| 2016 | 14,719 | 9,399 | 11,843 | 3,167 |
| 2017 | 16,596 | 8,996 | 12,249 | 3,240 |
| 2018 | 16,337 | 8,789 | 12,328 | 2,829 |
| 2019 | 16,905 | 8,670 | 12,427 | 2,855 |
| 2020 | 4,362 | 2,469 | 3,447 | 823 |
| 2021 | 1,175 | 1,222 | 3,456 | 530 |
| 2022 | 12,092 | 5,149 | 11,781 | 2,223 |
| 2023 | 15,883 | 6,476 | 12,848 | 2,753 |
In 2023, holiday visits by overseas residents surged to 15.9 million, making it the most popular reason for traveling to the UK. This marked a strong recovery from the pandemic lows in 2020 and 2021, and nearly returned to the pre-COVID peak of 16.9 million in 2019. Similarly, visits to friends or relatives reached 12.8 million, exceeding 2019 figures. This trend highlights a return to personal and leisure-based travel, supported by eased travel restrictions and pent-up demand.
On the other hand, business visits showed a slower recovery, hitting 6.5 million in 2023, which is still below the 8.7 million recorded in 2019. This could be attributed to ongoing changes in work culture, with more reliance on remote meetings. Miscellaneous reasons, which include short-term study or other purposes, remained the least common but also increased slightly to 2.75 million. Overall, the UK saw a positive trend in inbound travel in 2023, though some sectors have not yet fully rebounded.
Top 10 Visiting Countries to the UK in 2023
| Country | Number of Visits (Thousands) |
|---|---|
| United States (USA) | 5,122 |
| France | 3,172 |
| Germany | 2,957 |
| Republic of Ireland | 2,889 |
| Spain | 2,210 |
| Netherlands | 1,960 |
| Italy | 1,696 |
| Poland | 1,628 |
| Australia | 1,169 |
| Canada | 1,003 |
In 2023, the United States remained the top country of origin for visitors to the UK, with an impressive 5.1 million visits. This shows the strong travel ties between the two countries and marks a continuation of the U.S. leading the list since 2022. France and Germany followed closely, with 3.2 million and 3.0 million visits respectively, reflecting consistent interest from key European neighbors. Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands also ranked high, likely due to proximity and ease of travel.
Notably, Australia re-entered the top 10 list for the first time since 2019, with 1.17 million visits, showing a significant 62% rise compared to 2022. This rebound from long-haul destinations suggests growing travel confidence post-pandemic. Canada also made the top 10, rounding out the list with just over a million visits. Overall, European countries still dominate the list, with 7 out of 10 countries from the EU, highlighting the importance of regional tourism for the UK.
UK Residents’ Top 10 Overseas Destinations in 2023
| Rank | Country | Visits (Thousands) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 17,808 |
| 2 | France | 9,159 |
| 3 | Italy | 4,889 |
| 4 | Greece | 4,131 |
| 5 | Portugal | 3,961 |
| 6 | USA | 3,900 |
| 7 | Republic of Ireland | 3,439 |
| 8 | Turkey | 3,203 |
| 9 | Poland | 2,766 |
| 10 | Netherlands | 2,662 |
In 2023, Spain was the most visited destination by UK residents, with 17.8 million overnight visits — nearly double that of France, which came in second. The popularity of Spain reflects its long-standing appeal due to its sunny climate, affordability, and accessibility. France, Italy, and Greece also attracted significant UK tourism, largely due to cultural interest, cuisine, and leisure travel opportunities.
The USA ranked sixth, showing continued interest in transatlantic travel despite higher costs. Destinations like Turkey, Portugal, and the Republic of Ireland also remained high on the list, offering a mix of beach holidays and cultural experiences. Poland and the Netherlands rounded out the top 10, indicating a preference among UK travellers for both Eastern and Western European destinations. This data illustrates a strong recovery in international travel following pandemic-related declines.
UK Tourism Statistics 2022
| Metric | November 2022 | December 2022 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visits to the UK (overseas residents) | 3.2 million | 3.0 million | ▼ 6.25% |
| Spending in the UK by overseas visitors | £2.1 billion | £2.4 billion | ▲ 14.3% |
| UK residents’ visits overseas | 4.4 million | 4.0 million | ▼ 9.1% |
| Spending by UK residents overseas | £3.4 billion | £3.4 billion | ➡ No Change |
| Overseas visits vs. Dec 2019 | 3.4 million | 3.0 million | ▼ 14% (vs. pre-COVID) |
| UK outbound visits vs. Dec 2019 | 5.1 million | 4.0 million | ▼ 21% (vs. pre-COVID) |
Between November and December 2022, visits to the UK by overseas residents dropped from 3.2 million to 3.0 million—a decline of 6.25%. This slight dip is consistent with seasonal travel trends, as international travel typically slows down after autumn and before the holiday peak. Interestingly, despite the lower number of visitors, spending rose sharply by 14.3%, from £2.1 billion to £2.4 billion. This indicates that the visitors who did arrive in December possibly stayed longer, spent more on accommodation and activities, or were influenced by the higher costs associated with festive events and peak-season pricing.
On the other hand, UK residents made fewer trips abroad in December 2022 compared to the previous month—down from 4.4 million to 4.0 million, marking a 9.1% drop. Factors such as colder weather, post-holiday financial strain, or travel disruptions may have contributed to this decline. However, overall spending by UK travelers overseas remained stable at £3.4 billion, suggesting that those who did travel may have spent more per trip. When compared to December 2019 (pre-COVID), both inbound and outbound travel figures remained significantly lower—14% and 21% respectively—highlighting the lingering impact of the pandemic on global mobility and tourism confidence.
Visits to the UK by Overseas Residents 2022
| Category | December 2019 | December 2022 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Visits | 3.4 million | 3.0 million | ▼ 14% |
| Total Spend | £2.7 billion | £2.4 billion | ▼ 11% |
| Visits for Holidays | – | 1.1 million | 36% of total |
| Visits to Friends/Family | – | 1.2 million | 41% of total |
Total visits to the UK dropped by 400,000 from December 2019 to December 2022, representing a 14% decline. This shows that while international tourism was rebounding after the pandemic, it had not yet returned to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2022. Despite the fall in visitor numbers, spending by overseas tourists only fell by £300 million (from £2.7 billion to £2.4 billion), a smaller 11% drop. This suggests that each visitor was spending more on average, possibly due to inflation, longer stays, or higher costs associated with post-pandemic travel.
Looking at the purpose of visits, 1.1 million trips were made for holidays, making up 36% of total travel, highlighting a continued interest in leisure tourism around the festive season. However, a greater portion—1.2 million visits or 41%—were made to visit friends and family. This indicates a shift in travel motivation, possibly driven by a desire to reconnect with loved ones after prolonged separation during the pandemic. The higher share of personal visits points to the emotional and social factors influencing travel decisions in the post-COVID era.
UK Residents’ Visits Overseas 2022
| Category | December 2019 | December 2022 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Visits | 5.1 million | 4.0 million | ▼ 21% |
| Total Spend | £3.1 billion | £3.4 billion | ▲ 9% |
| Holiday Visits | – | 2.2 million | 55% of total |
| Visits to Europe | – | 2.7 million | 67.5% of total |
UK residents made 1.1 million fewer trips abroad in December 2022 compared to 2019, marking a 21% decrease. This significant drop suggests that many travelers remained cautious about international travel, possibly due to lingering health concerns, increased travel costs, or flight disruptions. Interestingly, even with fewer trips, overall spending rose by £300 million, a 9% increase from £3.1 billion to £3.4 billion, which indicates that those who did travel were spending more per trip — likely a result of inflation, premium destinations, or extended stays.
Out of the total outbound trips, 2.2 million or 55% were holiday-related, showing that leisure travel still held strong appeal for UK residents during the festive season. Meanwhile, 2.7 million travelers — nearly 68% of all outbound journeys — chose Europe as their destination. This trend highlights the continued popularity of European countries, likely driven by their close proximity, relatively lower costs, and cultural familiarity. These figures suggest that while total travel volume declined, holidaymakers prioritized value and convenience when planning their December getaways.
Source: International Passenger Survey 2022 & 2023 from the Office for National Statistics
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
