Tourism : Future trends

The 2012 Olympics

The 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics Games will provide the UK's tourism industry with its biggest opportunity in recent years. The UK government anticipates that the games will provide a huge boost to the UK tourism industry, which aims to generate over £2billion worth of revenue over the next decade. 

Developing tourist destinations within the UK

There is an increased push to develop UK coastal resorts, as well as furthering tourism in the countryside and improving domestic visitor attractions. There is an anticipated increase in demand for domestic destinations, particularly when the exchange rate from pounds to euros is unfavourable for UK tourists. 

Business tourism

Sites such as VisitBritain are working to further promote the UK as a conference destination. The average business visitor spends about £200 a day, nearly twice as much as the average holidaymaker. The business sector helps to sustain the wider tourist infrastructure by filling hotels out of season. 

Sustainable tourism

Organisations are working to develop the quality of tourism, minimise waste and provide exciting and sustainable travel opportunities. Ecotourism sites are particularly prevalent on the web.

Emerging holiday markets

New emerging markets such as the Balkans, Vietnam and the Middle East are growing in popularity. As these markets grow, the battle for tourists will become increasingly competitive.