A significant decrease in the number of overseas visitors to the UK is foreseen this year. VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, has predicted that there will be a decline in overseas arrivals by about 0.7 per cent, down to 31.7 million for the year. Also, the forecast said tourist spending would increase by up by 2.4 per cent, with total spending estimated at £16.7 billion.
In the year 2007, number of incoming tourists and spending showed very little change from the previous year, but for 2008, VisitBritain is expecting that tourist arrivals will fall by 2.7 per cent, down to 31.9 million, with total spending showing an increase of 2.5 per cent, up to £16.4 billion.
For 2009, the tourism organisation has predicted an internationally competitive environment. The organisation has warned that the most significant effect will be due to the global economic slump, which might prolong or worsen further. In addition, there is also likelihood that the UK government would extend visa requirements to the nationals of other countries early during this year including Brazil, Malaysia and South Africa. It is said the price of a UK visa might go up which would highlight the difference in pricing between a Schengen visa and the one to enter the UK.
Airlines across the globe are cutting down their routes and flights. While Japan Airlines has announced the scrapping of its Osaka Heathrow service, British Airways has reduced the number of its daily Heathrow-Tokyo service. Also, Virgin Atlantic said it would cut one of its daily London-New York flights.