The UK travel, tourism and hospitality sector lost an estimated £7 billion after further coronavirus restrictions were imposed in November last year, a major study has revealed.
The research, published by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), is among the first to highlight the impact of Omicron on the industries that rely on tourism.
According to the report, international travel restrictions cost the UK economy some £7 billion in the three months to January 2022 – resulting in devastating cuts to the travel and tourism sector.
For example, the number of workers employed in the sector fell by 7.2 per cent, from 4.27 million in 2019 to 3.96 million in 2020.
The total cost of Omicron travel restrictions, meanwhile, is estimated to have cost the global economy some £25.7 billion.
The data also shows that the travel and tourism sector’s global contribution has fallen by 49 per cent, from $9.2 trillion (£6.78 trillion) in 2019 to $4.5 trillion (£3.31 trillion) in 2020.
Commenting on the figures, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Imposing unnecessary travel restrictions to ‘deal’ with Omicron was not backed by science and cost the UK economy £7 billion in lost revenues.
“Travel is opening up worldwide. If the UK is going to start to repair its economy, it needs to keep borders open.”
The report comes after the UK Government announced that testing and quarantine requirements would be removed for vaccinated travellers from 4am on 11 February.
Fully vaccinated passengers will instead be asked to complete a passenger locator form (PLF), confirming their vaccination status, travel history and contact details – saving the average traveller around £100 in Covid-19 tests.
Following the announcement, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said tourists can now plan holidays with “greater confidence”.
“We already have one of the most open economies in Europe with the least restrictions, and because of the changes today we now have a travel sector to match it,” he said.
“This final step in our stable and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for UK tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season.”
For help and advice with related matters, please get in touch with our travel and tourism team today.
