Tourism is one of the UK’s most important industries, contributing £286 billion in 2024—around 10% of GDP—and supporting more than 4 million jobs.
London alone attracts over 30 million international visitors every year, while Edinburgh and Scotland are breaking records with rapid post-pandemic recovery.
From bustling cityscapes to dramatic landscapes, the UK remains one of the world’s most visited destinations.
Below, we explore the most recent UK tourism statistics, uncovering trends, growth patterns, and the impacts of global events on travel.
Top UK Tourism Stats – Editor’s Picks
- Over 30 million international visitors travel to London every year.
- The UK welcomed 38 million inbound visits in 2023 and 42.6 million in 2024.
- Air passenger arrivals to the UK fell by a staggering 98.3% during the 2020 lockdowns.
- Tourism contributed £286 billion to the UK economy in 2024, about 10% of GDP, and supported 4.1 million jobs (11% of the workforce).
- Edinburgh has already surpassed pre-pandemic tourism levels in 2023.
- Indian tourists spent an impressive US$33.3 billion (£25.3 billion) globally in 2023.
- Scotland welcomes nearly 2 million more tourists than in 2011, alongside massive renewable energy achievements.
- Visitors from the US remain the biggest spenders in the UK, contributing £6.3 billion in 2023.
What Are the Latest Tourism Growth Trends in the UK?
London as a Global Magnet
London continues to dominate UK tourism, attracting over 30 million international visitors annually. With nearly 9 million residents and millions more visiting, demand for transport services such as taxis remains constantly high.
How Has Edinburgh Recovered Post-Pandemic?
In 2023, Edinburgh not only recovered but surpassed its pre-pandemic visitor numbers. This highlights Scotland’s growing appeal as a destination combining history, culture, and natural beauty.
Are Staycations Still Popular in the UK?
The UK recorded 38 million inbound visits in 2023, showing a steady rebound from pandemic lows. In 2024, that number climbed to 42.6 million, with visitors spending £32.5 billion across 293 million nights. Forecasts for 2025 project 43.4 million visits and £33.7 billion in spending, showing ongoing growth. At the same time, staycations surged, with British residents making 105.6 million overnight trips in 2024, spending £32.9 billion domestically.
Visitor Numbers & Spending (2019–2025)
| Year | Inbound Visits (millions) | Spending (£ billion) | Nights (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 40.9 | 28.4 | 280 |
| 2023 | 38.0 | 31.0 | 285 |
| 2024 | 42.6 | 32.5 | 293 |
| 2025* | 43.4 | 33.7 | n/a |
*Forecast
Domestic Tourism Quick Facts (2024)
- 105.6 million overnight trips
- 308 million nights
- £32.9 billion spent
- Surpassed inbound spending for the year
How Did the Pandemic Affect UK Tourism?
Between February and April 2020, air passenger arrivals dropped by an unprecedented 98.3%. Tourism-related industries, such as hotels and travel agencies, faced near-total shutdowns, underlining the sector’s vulnerability to global crises.
Where Do Most International Visitors Come From?
What Role Does the UAE Play in UK Tourism?
In 2020, more than 370,000 visitors from the UAE traveled to the UK, reinforcing the importance of Middle Eastern markets for inbound tourism. By 2023, visitors from the UAE spent £914 million in the UK.
Why Are Indian Tourists So Important?
Indian tourists spent over US$33.3 billion globally in 2023, marking them as one of the most influential groups in global tourism. The UK remains a top destination for these high-spending travelers.
How Important Are US Visitors?
The United States remains the largest source of international visitors to the UK. In 2023, US visitors spent £6.3 billion, with tourists from California and New York contributing significantly to overall travel numbers.
Top Source Countries by Spending (2023)
- United States – £6.3 billion
- Germany – £1.8 billion
- France – £1.6 billion
- United Arab Emirates – £914 million
How Is Scotland Balancing Tourism and Sustainability?
Scotland’s tourism has grown significantly, welcoming almost 2 million more visitors than in 2011. In 2023, Scotland recorded 4 million international visits worth £3.6 billion, and in the first quarter of 2025 alone, 56 million leisure day visits generated £2 billion. At the same time, the country now generates nearly all its electricity from wind power, combining sustainability with economic growth.
Scotland’s Tourism Snapshot
- 4 million international visits (2023)
- £3.6 billion spent (2023)
- 56 million day visits in Q1 2025 worth £2 billion
- Nearly all electricity now generated from wind power
How Does Culture Influence Tourism in the UK?
What Is Screen Tourism and Why Does It Matter?
More than 90% of potential UK visitors report being influenced by film and TV. From Harry Potter locations to iconic Bond scenes, screen tourism continues to be a powerful driver of travel interest.
FAQ
How many tourists visit the UK every year?
In 2024, the UK attracted 42.6 million international visitors, spending £32.5 billion across 293 million nights.
Which city is growing the fastest in terms of tourism?
Edinburgh has shown the strongest growth, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
What was the biggest decline in UK tourism?
During the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, air passenger arrivals dropped by 98.3%.
Who are the UK’s most valuable international visitors?
US visitors are the top spenders, contributing £6.3 billion in 2023, followed by Germany (£1.8 b), France (£1.6 b), and the UAE (£914 m). Indian tourists also play a key role due to their high global spending.
How is Scotland contributing to sustainable tourism?
Scotland combines tourism growth with renewable energy leadership, generating nearly all its electricity from wind. In Q1 2025 alone, day trips generated £2 billion in spending.
How much do UK residents spend on domestic tourism?
In 2024, residents made 105.6 million overnight trips, lasting 308 million nights, and spent £32.9 billion—surpassing inbound spending that year.
How much does tourism contribute to the UK economy?
In 2024, UK tourism contributed £286 billion, equivalent to 10% of GDP, and supported 4.1 million jobs (11% of the workforce).
Final Thoughts
The UK tourism industry is recovering strongly after the severe setbacks of 2020. With London as a global magnet, Edinburgh’s rapid resurgence, and Scotland’s record-breaking growth, the future of UK tourism looks bright. Add to that the rising influence of markets such as India, the US, and the UAE, and it’s clear that the UK will continue to be a world-leading travel destination.
Sources
- VisitBritain – Inbound Visits and Spend Annual UK
- WTTC – UK Tourism Sector Economic Impact Report
- UK Parliament – Tourism: Statistics and Policy
- Condor Ferries – UK Tourism Statistics 2024 & 2025 Forecast
- The Guardian – WTTC warns UK tourism risks global decline
- Wikipedia – Economy of the United Kingdom
- Wikipedia – Economy of Scotland
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