‘Lost’ Summer risks hitting UK economy by up to £18bn

Today, the All Party-Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation has released projections that show that the UK economy faces a £18bn hit if current restrictions on international travel continue into the summer. 

The figures show that the impact in the fall of international visitors to the UK, whose spending is integral to the recovery of shops, restaurants, hotels, and tourist destinations, is likely to cost the UK economy at least £7.5billion. 

Outbound travel, which was responsible for contributing £37.1bn to the UK economy in 2019 is expected to see a hit of at least £10.5billion, with travel restrictions expected to keep passenger numbers at historically low levels. 

The APPG is repeating its call for a comprehensive financial support package for the Aviation, Travel and Tourism industries and for the Government to provide a clear roadmap and criteria out of the restrictions. 

 Commenting Henry Smith MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation said:

“Our aviation, travel and tourism industries have faced the hardest twelve months in their history and have been devastated by a collapse in passenger numbers and delays to the promised recovery package.  

“These figures lay bare the brutal reality that without further financial support and a clear pathway out of the restrictions, these industries who are already running on empty will be left in a battle for survival. 

“The pandemic has been disastrous for our aviation, travel and tourism sectors and the consequences of a lost summer season will be beyond devastating not only to the businesses involved, but their employees, their communities and the UK economy as a whole. 

“That is why it is so vital that the Government meet this challenge through a clear roadmap out of the restrictions and bring forward a serious and significant package of support that protects these essential industries for the challenging months ahead.”