You appear to have JavaScript disabled in your browser settings. You may find some parts of this website do not work properly without it enabled.

Promoting Britain abroad

Inquiry

Tourism is an economic, cultural and social asset. Although it is a devolved matter—England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London all have independent tourism bodies—all five organisations work closely with VisitBritain, the national tourism agency. VisitBritain is responsible for marketing Britain worldwide and developing Britain’s visitor economy.

In 2019, inbound tourism to the UK was worth approximately £28.4bn and in ‘usual times’ the sector as a whole employs 4 million people. However, as last year’s ‘Impact of Covid-19 on DCMS sectors’ Report and figures released by VisitBritain highlight, tourism has taken a huge hit as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Inbound tourism spend fell to £6.2bn in 2020, a decline of 78% on 2019 results. It is currently forecast that in 2021, just £5.3bn will be spent by inbound tourists.

In June 2021, the Government announced its ’Tourism Recovery Plan’ which seeks to recover domestic overnight trip volume and spend by the end of 2022, and inbound visitor numbers and spend by the end of 2023. Other aims include building back a more resilient industry and ensuring that the sector’s recovery benefits all nations and regions.

As well as considering the recovery of the UK as a holiday destination for international travellers, the inquiry will look at how the UK promotes itself overseas, its position as a ‘soft power superpower’ and the role of culture and heritage in the UK’s position on the global stage.

This inquiry is no longer accepting evidence

The deadline for submissions was Thursday 6 January 2022.

Work news

Promoting Britain abroad: Committee publishes Government response

Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee publishes response to its report on promoting Britain abroad

2 February 2023

Damaging Government action hindering tourism’s post-pandemic recovery, Committee warns

Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee publishes report on promoting Britain abroad

24 October 2022

DCMS Committee questions Tourism minister on future of the sector in the UK

Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee hears from Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Heritage, and Civil Society

DCMS Committee investigate VisitBritain’s performance and Government tourism funding

The Committee are looking into the post-Covid and Brexit success of the tourism agency.

Julian Knight MP comments on EU visa arrangements following Chinese Phantom of the Opera decision

Chair comments on the continuing problems faced by the UK arts sector under the current EU visa regime

Regional tourism leaders questioned on whether UK tourism is too London-Centric

Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee examines how the UK tourism sector is working with Government

MPs examine Government support for UK tourism recovery post-Covid and Brexit

Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee holds evidence session on promoting Britain abroad

MPs visit Knebworth House for inquiry on promoting Britain abroad

The house will host the first evidence evidence for their inquiry into promoting Britain abroad.

18 February 2022

Promoting Britain Abroad inquiry launched

Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee examines how Britain’s cultural heritage can be used to promote the country

11 November 2021

Contact us

We can't usually help you with an individual problem or a specific complaint.

Email: CommonsCMS@parliament.uk
Phone: 020 7219 6188 (general enquiries) | 020 7219 1679 (media enquiries)
Address: CMS Committee, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA