Tourism: MPs launch inquiry into the future of UK’s tourism industry

A new inquiry from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee will examine the future of the UK's tourism industry.

The inquiry, which will cover both domestic and international tourism, will explore how the UK promotes itself overseas, the role of culture and heritage in attracting visitors and how the UK competes with other destinations.

The Office for National Statistics estimated that tourism in the UK accounted for £58 billion of economic output in 2023, while 2024 was the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic that visitor numbers have exceeded 2019 levels.

With the Government setting an ambition for overseas visitor numbers to rise from 42.5 million in 2024 to 50 million by 2030, the inquiry will consider whether its current policies are supporting the growth, international competitiveness and long-term resilience of the sector.

The inquiry will also examine the impact of policy changes, including the proposal to give mayors powers to charge an overnight levy, alongside wider challenges such as energy price inflation and rising employment costs.

MPs will also investigate the sector's recovery from the pandemic and the effectiveness of the DCMS's work with VisitBritain, VisitEngland and devolved administrations.

Chair of the CMS Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, said:

“The tourism industry contributes not only to the UK economy but also plays a vital role in supporting our arts, culture and heritage. That is why it is so important for the sector to be properly supported, and that government policy enables tourism to thrive.

While international visits have gradually recovered after Covid, European neighbours have rebounded more strongly and there are concerns that policy changes are making the UK a less attractive destination for overseas visitors. Rising operational costs and cost of living pressures are also squeezing visitor numbers from within the UK.

Our inquiry will be looking at the challenges facing both the domestic and international tourism sector, and what can be done to ensure the long-term success of the industry.”

Terms of reference

The Committee is inviting submissions in response to the following questions. The deadline is Monday 18 May.

1. How effective are government policies in supporting the growth, competitiveness and long-term resilience of the tourism sector?
   1. What are the main barriers to international competitiveness?

1. How effectively does the UK promote itself overseas as a destination and what more could be done to strengthen its international profile?

1.  If a levy is introduced, how should it best be spent to attract tourism and investment?

1. How effectively do government structures and working arrangements support the tourism sector?
   1. How well do VisitBritain/VisitEngland and Destination Management Organisations support the sector?

1. How well do they compare to equivalent bodies in other countries?

1. What opportunities exist to increase inward investment into tourism infrastructure and what changes may be needed to encourage it?
   1. Which areas have seen the biggest growth in inbound tourism and why?
   2. How can investment be unlocked in all parts of the country?

1. How well is the visitor economy recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and what challenges continue to affect business and destinations?

1. How effectively is the domestic tourism sector functioning across the UK and what factors are shaping current levels of demand and recovery?
   1. To what extent have rising operational and workforce costs affected the affordability and viability of domestic trips for both operators and consumers?
   2. What targeted interventions could support domestic tourism businesses to stimulate demand and strengthen year-round visitor numbers?

1. How can tourism better support regional growth, community prosperity and wider Government objectives?
   1. What barriers prevent regions from capitalising fully on tourism demand and what opportunities remain overlooked?
   2. Are transport links, digital connectivity and cultural infrastructure adequate to support regional tourism growth?
   3.  What are the particular opportunities and challenges for tourism in:

1. coastal areas, and
2. rural areas

1. How can the Government and tourism sector maximise the potential of cultural heritage and creative assets to attract visitors?

1. What are the key issues facing the tourism workforce?
   1. How have immigration and employment policies and legislation affected the tourism sector?