Responding to the findings of an independent report commissioned by Visit Britain suggesting that tourism revenue would grow by more than 60% by 2020, UKinbound has challenged this rosy image of the future which ignores the real threats which are currently causing decline not growth in visitor numbers.

Mary Rance, Chief Executive UKinbound said: “We do not dispute the real potential for substantial growth in inbound tourism but this potential will pale into insignificance if there are no plans to increase capacity and to address urgently the real barriers to growth.

With no plans to increase capacity at Heathrow or any other London airport and in the absence of a strategy to restore the competitiveness of the UK as a destination by addressing the barriers to growth, it is fantasy to suggest that such huge growth is attainable.”

Current trends and feedback fly in the face of this optimism showing visitor numbers declining year on year since 2007 when Air Passenger Duty was significantly increased to an actual reduction of 8% in visitor numbers over this period. In more recent times when a weak pound should have seen greater increase in visitors we are still experiencing a 3% decline so far in 2010. This current downward trend in visitor numbers has occurred with the current levels of APD and VAT, both of which are due to rise this year, which will result in a greater reduction in visitors to the UK.

Coupled with the fact that long haul visitors are prevented or deterred from travelling to the UK by our strict but overly complicated visa process and with Heathrow airport currently operating at 99% capacity, it is difficult to see how such a big increase in tourism revenue can be achieved.

"What we need is honest engagement with Government to free us from the restraints that are restricting the reversal of this decline, knowing there will also be a decline in visitors to the UK in 2012 based on the experience of other Olympic host nations. We must work constructively to ensure that the long term benefits and the tourism legacy are a reality delivering a new era of regeneration in inbound tourism."