Inbound tourism body UKinbound is urging the sector to build on the boost to business that has come from the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Many of its 300-plus members will host overseas visitors who have planned their visit to the UK to coincide with festivities for the royal landmark during June 2-5.
Joss Croft, chief executive at UKinbound, said: “This joyous event will provide a vital and welcoming boost to the UK’s tourism industry and businesses up and down the country.
“Many of my members are preparing to welcome international visitors from across the world, who are making a special visit to the UK during the Jubilee period.
“We need to ensure that we take the successes of the Jubilee into the summer and autumn seasons.”
However, he pointed out that the UK is expected to welcome 21.2 million international visitors to the UK in 2022, who are projected to spend £16.9 billion. These figures are 52% and 59% of 2019 respectively.
And he said domestic tourism is likely to reduce too as more Brits opt for overseas holidays.
“Promoting Britain abroad and emphasising the amazing heritage, culture and experiences available across all four nations, and ensuring we provide visitors with a warm welcome, has never been more important,” he said.
“We need to work hard to convince the international community that the UK is a fantastic place to visit in 2022 and beyond.”
Lana Bennett, chief executive of inbound operator Tours International, added: “The Platinum Jubilee has come at exactly the right time for UK tourism. It’s rejuvenated the industry.
“The official events encompass all that is unique and welcoming about the UK and it’s fantastic to have good news back in the headlines.
“Tours International is running a luxury Platinum Jubilee tour for individuals which we’re very excited about and it’s sold out.”
International bookings and visitors to the UK between April and June 2022 are expected to be the same or higher than pre-pandemic for one in three (39%) businesses.
But 55% of businesses predict that revenue during this same period will be lower than pre-pandemic, by an average of 49%.
Buckingham Palace pictured by Alexey Fedorenko/Shutterstock