THE UK economy is forecast to earn £105bn from travel and tourism-related business in 1999, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.
The figure, which includes indirect earnings from travel and tourism, represents 12.3% of the country’s total economic activity, or gross domestic product. By 2010, earnings are expected to reach £174bn.
The WTTC claims the number of jobs supported directly and indirectly by travel and tourism currently stands at around 3.4m. This figure is expected to remain fairly stable over the next 10 years, although an additional 100,000 jobs are thought likely to be created within the travel industry itself.