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In response to the further riots reported in London and other parts of the UK, Mary Rance, Chief Executive UKinbound today commented:
"The Riots of the past few days, particularly in London, are most unfortunate for the global image of the UK – and not just ahead of the Olympics but for the country’s short term and long term inbound tourism industry. With scenes of looting, violence and lawlessness flashing across TV screens across the globe it is absolutely vital that the Government and its agencies, as well as the UK tourism industry, work hard to put things in context. London is still one of the greatest cities in the World with an enviable record of safety. It’s important we stress that these developments are not typical".
Inbound tourism is the UK’s third largest export industry
The 29.7 million overseas visitors who came in 2009 spent £16.5 billion in the UK. These figures represent a 6.3% decline in volume and 1% (nominal) increase in value compared with 2008. In 2009 the UK ranked seventh in the international tourism earnings league (compared with sixth in 2007) behind the USA, Spain, France, Italy, China and Germany according to UNWTO figures.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
