The Tourism Industry Emergency Response Group (TIER) has released research which indicates that, following the 7 July incidents in London,…
The Tourism Industry Emergency Response Group (TIER) has released research which indicates that, following the 7 July incidents in London, spending by overseas visitors may be 2% below initial full-year expectations for 2005. The research was commissioned through Oxford Economic Forecasting, which draws from a number of industry sources during the two-week period of 7-20 July.
The 2% drop will mean at least £300 million less than industry expectations. As 50% of all international visitors travel to London, this represents a fall of £150 million to the capital.
However, these figures do not take the 21 July incidents into consideration and the industry believes there will be serious implications for tourism in London and potentially the rest of the UK. While there have been minimal cancellations in the short-term, there are concerns that bookings for the autumn will be affected.
The tracking study will continue to provide ongoing assessment of the situation, the next research results are expected in mid-August.
TIER will continue to monitor visitor numbers and receive intelligence from industry sources around the world and in the UK. This intelligence will help to establish the overall impact on the visitor economy and will be used to inform marketing and PR strategies to rebuild business.
Visit London has commissioned focus group research in key overseas markets and the UK to ascertain the current feelings towards travel and towards London and Britain as destinations. Subject to the results of this research, campaigns may be launched in the USA and London`s key European markets in September. These markets include France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands.
Visit London will be launching a campaign in late August aimed at London and the South-East based on a mini-guide and special website packed with reasons to enjoy London in September. There are hundreds of special events and festivals taking place over the next couple of months such as the Notting Hill Carnival, the Mayor`s Thames Festival, the Great River Race and London`s Open House Weekend.
In 2004, there were 27.8 million visitors to Britain, 12% up on 2003. They spent £13 billion in the UK: a 10% increase.
Overall spending by international visitors in the first five months of 2005 has risen +13% compared to 2004 to £4.8 billion. Visits between January and May increased +12% to 11.3 million.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
