UK Tourism Statistics - How Many Tourists Visit? (2023)

Page last updated: 06 September 2024

The United Kingdom is one of the most visited tourist destinations across the world. The country’s economy benefits from tourism as it generates billions of pounds in revenue every year and supports millions of employment opportunities.

Overview

How many tourists visit the UK each year?

The United Kingdom welcomes over 30 million international visitors annually (excluding the pandemic year).

In 2019, the UK welcomed 39.4 million international visitors, an increase of 1% compared with 2018, but still lower than the peak of 41.1 million reached in 2017.
The UK received 11.1 million international visitors in 2020 and 6.4 million in 2021, a decrease of 72% and 84% compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
The UK saw a recovery in 2022 with 31.2 million international visitors.¹
In 2023, the UK welcomed 38 million international visitors, representing an increase of 215% compared to 2020 (pandemic period) but this was still 4% lower than the pre-pandemic level of 2019.²

How many tourists visited the UK in 2023?

Over 38 million international visitors travelled to the United Kingdom in 2023, a 22% increase from the 31.2 million in 2022, but still 4% below the 2019 level of 39.4 million.

How many tourists visited the UK in 2022?

In 2022, the United Kingdom welcomed a total of 31.2 million visits, nearly five times the number recorded in the previous year (2021), which saw only 6.3 million visits.

The top five inbound markets for the UK in 2022 included the USA, France, the Republic of Ireland, Germany, and Spain.

The United States remained the leading inbound travel market for the UK in 2022, with approximately 4.6 million visits, accounting for 14.7% of total international visits that year.

Key tourism statistics in the 1st Quarter of 2024 in the UK

In the first quarter of 2024 (January to March), the United Kingdom welcomed 8.7 million international visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 5% and 2023 figures by 14%.³

Nights spent in the UK totalled 58.4 million, an increase of 15% compared to Q1 2019 and 6% compared to Q1 2023.

The UK generated £5.5 billion in international tourism revenue for Q1 2024, marking a 15% increase compared to Q1 2019 but this was still 2% less than the previous year.

The average spend per visit in Q1 2024 was £633, which was 10% higher than in Q1 2019 but 13% lower than in Q1 2023.

The average spend per night was £95, matching Q1 2019 levels but this was 7% lower than in Q1 2023.

The average length of stay in the UK for Q1 2024 was 6.7 days, 10% longer than in Q1 2019 but 7% shorter than in Q1 2023.

International tourists from Europe reached 6.2 million visits in Q1 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 3% and Q1 2023 by 14%. European tourists spent £2.7 billion in Q1 2024, similar to Q1 2023.

North America reached 1.1 million visits in Q1 2024, the highest for any Q1 period. Visitors spent £970 million, a 19% increase compared to Q1 2019 but 11% less than in Q1 2023.

How much do visitors to the UK spend each year?

In 2019, tourism revenue reached £28.4 billion, marking a 7% increase in international spending compared to 2018.

However, International spending in the UK dropped to £6.21 billion in 2020, a 78% decrease from 2019.

In 2021, spending further declined to £5.6 billion, down 9% from the previous year and 80% lower than in 2019.
Total spending by international visitors in the UK rebounded to £26.5 billion in 2022.
In 2023, the UK’s international tourism revenue climbed to £31.1 billion, an 80% increase compared to 2020 and 9% higher than the 2019 level (pre-pandemic).

How much did visitors spend in the UK in 2023?

In 2023, visitor spending in the UK reached approximately £33.7 billion, up 19% from £28.3 billion in 2022, but still 5% lower than the £35.6 billion spent in 2019.

How much did visitors spend in the UK in 2022?

In 2022, international visitors spent £28.3 billion in the UK, marking a 77% increase from the pandemic period in 2020, but still 7% lower than the £30.4 billion spent in 2019 before the pandemic.

How much money does tourism bring to the UK?

Travel and tourism are vital to the UK economy, generating income, creating jobs, and supporting various industries.

From 2020 to 2023, the total contribution of travel and tourism to the UK’s GDP increased by 40%.

In a typical year, the tourism sector contributes at least £106 billion to the economy and supports 3.8 million jobs, many held by young people. By 2025, tourism is expected to account for 10% of GDP.

In 2022, the combined direct and indirect contributions of travel and tourism to the UK’s GDP were 4.6% lower than in 2019, yet still substantial, amounting to £237 billion.

Regional economies across the UK also benefit from tourism. For instance, London typically sees 30 million tourists annually, while the Highlands of Scotland attracts 6 million visitors each year, generating approximately £1.2 billion and supporting 20,000 jobs.

This sector also helps to promote the UK’s culture, heritage, and diversity globally, fostering international relations and cooperation.

How much do visitors to the UK spend per visit?

In 2022, the average spend per visit was £848.
In 2023, the average spend per visit decreased by 3% to £819.

How long do visitors stay in the UK?

Visitors stayed an average of 8.4 nights per visit in the UK in 2022.
However, in 2023, the average stay decreased slightly to 7.7 nights per visit.

What are the reasons people visit the UK?

People visit the UK for various reasons, with the top three being holidays, visiting friends or relatives, and business.

The primary reason for visiting the UK is for holidays, accounting for 39% of all visits in 2022, with a total of 12.1 million holiday visits.

The second most common reason is to visit friends or relatives, with 11.8 million visits in 2022, more than twice as many as business-related visits.

Business visits accounted for 5.1 million trips in 2022, making it the third most common reason for visiting the UK.

In 2021, visiting friends and relatives briefly overtook holidays as the leading reason for visiting the UK, with 3.5 million visits compared to 1.2 million holiday visits. This shift was largely due to travel restrictions during the pandemic.

Other reasons for visiting the UK include studying, attending sporting events, shopping, health-related visits, religious purposes, and multi-purpose trips.

Where do visitors to the UK come from?

The United States consistently leads in the number of inbound visits to the UK each year.

2019: Before the pandemic, the US was the primary source of visits to the UK with 4.5 million visitors, followed by France with 3.6 million, Germany with 3.2 million, Ireland with 2.9 million, and Spain with 2.3 million.

2021: During the pandemic, Ireland led with 708,000 visits, closely followed by France with 677,000, while the US ranked third with 663,000 visits.

2022: After the pandemic, the US reclaimed the top spot with 4.59 million visits, followed by France with 2.83 million, Ireland with 2.51 million, Germany with 2.23 million, and Spain with 2.01 million.

2023: The US remained the leading source of visitors, accounting for 5.1 million visits, followed by France with 3.2 million, Germany with 3 million, Ireland with 2.9 million, and Spain with 2.2 million.

Which country spends the most in the UK?

International tourists to the UK contribute over £5 billion in annual expenditure.

In 2022, visitors from the USA were the biggest spenders, contributing £5.96 billion, more than double the amount spent by the next highest spenders.
- Tourists from France spent £1.58 billion, followed by Germany with £1.39 billion, Australia with £1.12 billion, and Spain with £1.06 billion.

In 2023, visitors from the USA remained the top spenders among international visitors to the UK, generating £6.26 billion, a 5% increase from the previous year and 50% higher than the pre-pandemic level in 2019.
- Germany followed with £1.83 billion, France with £1.64 billion, Australia with £1.6 billion, and Ireland with £1.24 billion in tourism expenditure.

How has Covid-19 affected tourism in the UK?

Pre-pandemic:

International tourism peaked in 2017 with 41.1 million visitors, slightly higher than the 40.9 million visitors in 2019. Domestic day trips within Great Britain reached a record 1.65 billion visits in 2019.

In 2019, international tourists spent £28.5 billion, while domestic tourist spending amounted to nearly £92 billion.

Pandemic Impact:

The total international and domestic travel and spending in the UK plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism was severely limited between March 2020 and March 2021, leading to gaps in data collection.

Domestic tourist spending dropped to £34 billion in 2020, a 64% decline from 2019.

In 2021 (April to December), there were 624 million day visits, with British residents spending £24.9 billion.

What are the best cities to visit in the UK?

The top five most popular destinations in the UK for overseas visitors are London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.

London: London remained the top choice for tourists, attracting 16.1 million international visitors in 2022, although this is lower than the 21.7 million in 2019.
- Key attractions include the Natural History Museum, British Museum, Tate Modern, Southbank Centre, and The National Gallery.

Edinburgh: Edinburgh ranked second with 1.8 million international visitors in 2022, down from 2.2 million in 2019.

Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool: These cities follow Edinburgh in popularity, each attracting an average of 1.2 million visitors annually.

What are the best places or attractions to visit in the UK?

The United Kingdom is home to numerous tourist attractions that draw millions of visitors annually.

The Real Mary King’s Close: Located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, this 5-star visitor attraction opened in 2003. It is known for its historical significance and the ghost stories surrounding the site.

The British Museum: One of the most visited museums globally, the British Museum in London attracts over six million visitors annually. It houses a vast collection of artefacts representing different cultures from around the world.

The Roman Baths: Situated in Bath, the Roman Baths are one of the most visited ancient sites in the UK. This historical site attracts millions of visitors each year, offering insight into Roman history and architecture.

The Tower of London: Welcoming over three million visitors each year, the Tower of London is famous for housing the Crown Jewels and its long history of ceremonies, ghost stories, and tales of executions.

Edinburgh Castle: Scotland’s most popular tourist destination, Edinburgh Castle, receives over two million visitors annually. The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Honors of Scotland and offers a rich history that appeals to a wide range of visitors.

When is the best time to visit the UK?

The best time to visit the UK depends on what travellers are looking for during their stay.

Spring (late March to early June) or Autumn (September to November) is the best month to visit the United Kingdom. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season. Spring and autumn offer beautiful natural scenery, and visitors can avoid the busier summer months.
- In 2023, approximately 12 million international tourists visited the UK during the spring season, while 9.6 million visited during autumn.
Winter (December to February) can also be an enjoyable time to visit, especially for those interested in experiencing colder weather or winter activities. However, some northern parts of the UK may experience snow, and certain attractions might be closed.
Summer (July to August) is the hottest and driest season in the UK. This period is popular for music festivals and large agricultural shows.
- In 2023, approximately 7 million international tourists visited the UK during the summer season.

UK Travel Resources

International vs Domestic Tourism Statistics in the UK

2017: Overseas residents made 41.1 million visits to the UK, spending £28.4 billion. UK residents took 1.8 billion domestic day visits within Great Britain, spending approximately £62.45 billion.

2018: Overseas residents made 40.3 million visits to the UK, spending £26.5 billion. UK residents made 1.43 billion domestic day visits within England, spending approximately £53.04 billion.

2019: Overseas residents made 40.9 million visits to the UK, spending £28.4 billion. UK residents made 1.65 billion domestic day visits within Great Britain, spending approximately £90 billion.

2020: Due to the impact of COVID-19, data for April to December 2020 is unavailable as the International Passenger Survey (IPS) was suspended. Available data is modelled.

2021: Overseas residents made 6.4 million visits to the UK, spending £5.6 billion. UK residents made 624 million domestic day visits within Great Britain, spending £51.4 billion (recorded from April to December).

2022: Overseas residents made 31.2 million visits to the UK, spending £26.5 billion. UK residents made 1.1 billion domestic day visits within Great Britain, spending approximately £45 billion.⁴
- There were 945 million Tourism Day Visits to England (87%), 95 million to Scotland (9%), and 62 million to Wales (6%).

How many UK residents travel abroad each year?

Over 80 million UK residents travel abroad each year.

In 2019, UK residents made a record 93.1 million visits abroad, marking a peak year for international travel.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on international travel. In 2020, UK residents made approximately 23.8 million visits abroad, and in 2021, this number dropped further to 19.1 million. These figures represented a 75% and 79% decrease, respectively, compared to the peak in 2019.

In 2022, international travel by UK residents began to recover, with around 71 million visits abroad, although this was still 24% below the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

In early 2023 (April – June), 18.4 million visits abroad were made by UK residents to Europe, representing 8% of total visits abroad. This was an 11.5% increase from the same quarter in 2022 when 16.5 million visits were recorded.

In 2023, a total of 86.2 million UK residents travelled abroad, indicating an 18% increase compared to the previous year.⁵

How many UK residents travelled abroad in 2023?

UK residents made 86.2 million visits abroad in 2023, an increase of over 18% compared to the 71 million visits made in the previous year.

Europe remained the top destination for UK residents in 2023, with 56.1 million visits, accounting for 79% of all international trips. However, this was still 23% less than the 72.5 million visits recorded in 2019.
Holidays were the most popular reason for travel abroad, with UK residents making 45.6 million holiday trips in 2023.

How much do UK residents spend on their trips abroad?

UK residents spent £72.4 billion on trips abroad in 2023, which was 19% higher than the previous year.

In 2022, UK residents spent £58.5 billion on international travel, a sharp increase from £15.5 billion in 2021.
- On average, each UK resident spent around £823 in 2022, reflecting a 2% increase from 2021 and a 23% increase from 2019, when the average spend was £670.

Which countries do UK residents visit the most?

Spain is the most popular destination for UK residents travelling abroad, both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with holidays being the primary reason for these visits.

In 2022, UK residents made 15.6 million visits to Spain, a 14% decrease from 2019. France was the second most visited country, followed by Italy and Greece.

In 2023, Spain remained the top destination for UK residents, accounting for 21% of all international travel. France followed with 11%, Italy with 6%, and Greece with 5%.

Although the number of UK residents travelling abroad in 2023 was lower than the 2019 peak, spending by UK travellers in 2023 was higher compared to 2019.

Inbound vs Outbound Tourism Statistics in the UK

2019

In 2019, the United Kingdom welcomed 40.9 million international visitors, who spent £28.4 billion during their trips. This marked an increase of 1% in visits and 7% in spending compared to 2018.

During the same year, UK residents made 93.1 million trips abroad, spending £62.3 billion. This represented a 3% increase in trips and a 7% increase in spending compared to 2018.

2020

In 2020, the UK received approximately 11.1 million international visitors, a 73% decrease compared to 2019. These visitors spent £6.21 billion, a decrease of £22.28 billion from the previous year.

UK residents made 23.8 million trips abroad in 2020, spending £13.8 billion, representing a 79% decrease in spending compared to 2019.

Tourism in the UK was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly between March 2020 and March 2021, leading to limited data collection during this period. However, overall inbound and outbound travel and spending in the UK fell due to the pandemic.

2021

In 2021, the UK welcomed 6.4 million international visitors, generating £5.6 billion in tourism revenue. This was a 9% decrease from the previous year and an 80% decrease compared to 2019.

UK residents made 19.1 million trips abroad in 2021, spending £15.5 billion. The average spending per day was £46, with more trips focused on visiting friends and family rather than traditional holidays.

2022

In 2022, the UK saw 31.2 million international visitors, who spent £26.5 billion.

UK residents made an estimated 71 million trips abroad, a 24% decrease from the peak in 2019, but an increase of 51.9 million trips from 2021. UK residents spent a total of £58.5 billion during their trips abroad in 2022.

2023

In 2023, the UK received 38 million international visitors, generating £31.1 billion in tourism revenue.

UK residents made 86.2 million trips abroad in 2023, spending £72.4 billion.

UK Travel Statistics Resources

Europe Travel Statistics Resources

References

UNWTO: Tourism Statistics – Global and Regional ↩︎
VisitBrain: 2023 Total UK Summary ↩︎
VisitBrain: Q1 2024 Total UK Summary ↩︎
VisitBrain: Domestic and Inbound Tourism – UK, Britain, England ↩︎
ONS: Travel Trends 2023 ↩︎