Abta figures show outbound travel generated £51bn+ for UK plc

Abta has revealed that the UK’s outbound travel industry generated £51.6 billion for the UK economy in 2023 – an increase of 5% from 2019’s pre-pandemic figure of £49 billion.

The association said the economic contribution, along with 818,000 jobs supported by the industry in the UK, shows the importance of the outbound travel industry to national and local economies and how “with the right policy support, the sector can help the government achieve its growth agenda”.

However, Abta warned of rising costs and falling consumer and business confidence levels following the Budget.

As well as employer national insurance increases, Air Passenger Duty on flights is also due to increase – rising by 14% on a short-haul economy flight from April 2026 and by £12 on an economy long-haul flight.

Abta said it is keen to work with the government on several policy areas, especially the decarbonisation of aviation and cruise; business rates reform; and enhanced trading arrangements with the EU, including a youth mobility deal that will restore the opportunity for UK nationals to work in temporary tourism roles overseas.

Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “The new government has placed delivering growth at the top of its agenda, and today’s figures clearly show that travel can play a leading role in stimulating the growth we all want to see.

“The last few years have not been easy for our industry, but travel has proven remarkably resilient to date.

“Whilst we should celebrate that fact, with the effects of the pandemic still being felt by travel businesses and the ongoing cost of living challenges facing consumers, we cannot simply take our future success for granted.

“There are notable obstacles to businesses operating in travel, including travel to the EU – home to the UK’s largest holiday destinations – and increased costs of doing business at home.

“However, I remain optimistic about the ability of travel to continue to drive growth. With the right tax and policy framework the industry can support the government in delivering its growth ambitions, and today I am asking ministers to work with us to that end.”

The figures were released to coincide with Abta’s Travel Matters event, held in Westminster on Tuesday (December 3).