VisitBritain/VisitEngland have published a report showing that the tourism industry is worth £147 billion to the UK economy*.
On 20 January 2026, VisitBritain/Visit England published major new research in their The Economic Value of Tourism in the United Kingdom report, which will be shared with the UK Government to inform policymaking and to track tourism’s development over time.
The report highlights several key findings, including:
- Tourism’s GDP impact in the UK totalled £147 billion, or about 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.
VisitBritain/VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates said:
“This research underscores tourism’s importance as one of the UK’s most valuable industries, driving economic growth for every nation and region and supporting our high streets, hospitality businesses, cultural institutions and our communities. The billions in tax revenues generated by tourism also shows how spending by domestic and international visitors contributes to services that benefit everyone.”
Commenting on the report, Andrew Leveson, Executive Director at the Royal Shakespeare Company and member of the Visitor Economic Advisory Council (VEAC), said:
