The government is under fire for “sabotaging” its own tourism sector after international visitor spending fell by over £2bn in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The World Travel and Tourism Council reported overseas visitors spent £40.3bn in the UK last year, a 5.3 percent decline from 2019. The council criticised government policies, warning that recent decisions have undermined the country’s appeal as a global destination.

Julia Simpson, WTTC president and former adviser to Tony Blair, argued the government is neglecting an industry that contributes 10 percent of UK GDP. 

“This government is all about growth. Yet here we have a private sector enterprise, travel and tourism, contributing 10 percent of UK GDP, creating jobs, but we are not prioritising it in any way. We are sabotaging ourselves,” she said.

Simpson cited the removal of VAT-free shopping, higher air passenger duty, and the £16 electronic travel authorisation (ETA) fee for European visitors as key barriers. She also criticised the 44 percent cut to VisitBritain’s marketing budget, reduced from £18.85m to £10.57m.

Although travel and tourism contributed £286bn to the UK economy in 2024, the decline in international spend is viewed as a missed opportunity. The government, however, insists new strategies will drive growth and boost visitor numbers by 2030.