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UK remained one of the world’s most‑visited countries
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Travel body blames government for harming UK tourism growth
Apr 22, 2025
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has accused the UK government of “sabotaging” the country’s tourism sector after international visitor spending fell by over £2 billion in 2024 compared with pre‑pandemic levels. In a new WTTC study, visitors to the UK spent £40.3 billion last year—a 5.3 per cent decline on the £42.6 billion recorded in 2019.
The WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, said ministers had made “deliberate policy choices” that erected “barriers to travel” and discouraged high‑value tourists. Policies cited include the removal of tax‑free shopping, rising air passenger duty (APD) rates and the introduction—and subsequent fee increase—of the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme for non‑UK nationals.
Julia Simpson, president of the WTTC and former adviser to Sir Tony Blair, said that while the government professed to back economic growth, it was failing to support a sector that contributes 10 per cent of UK GDP and supports millions of jobs. “We’ve not got back to where we need to be [on spending by international visitors] whereas the rest of the world has,” she said. “This government is all about growth. Yet here we have a private‑sector enterprise, travel and tourism, contributing 10 per cent of UK GDP, creating jobs, but we are not prioritising it in any way. We are sabotaging ourselves.”
Retail leaders have also warned that scrapping the VAT Retail Export Scheme (tax‑free shopping) has put the UK at a “competitive disadvantage for global shoppers”. The WTTC highlighted comments from senior figures at luxury brand Burberry, who noted that tourists now spend elsewhere in Europe, where tax refunds remain available.
Simpson further criticised a 44 per cent cut to VisitBritain’s promotional budget. On 1 April 2025, the government reduced the destination‑marketing body’s “Great Britain and Northern Ireland” campaign funding from £18.85 million to £10.57 million in the same week that APD rose and the £10 ETA fee was imposed on all European visitors (excluding Irish nationals). The ETA fee has since increased to £16.
“You need to sell the UK,” Simpson said. “It’s really important that you create stories about the UK so that international visitors come to all our regions. You need to sell Harry Potter. You need to sell Jane Austen. You need to sell Richard III.”
In response, a government spokesperson said VisitBritain’s campaigns “remain an effective tool driving economic growth”. They pointed out that the UK remained one of the world’s most‑visited countries and that international tourism injected billions into the economy. The spokesperson added that ministers would publish a national visitor economy strategy this autumn to help achieve the target of welcoming 50 million international visitors a year by 2030.
Alongside its spending figures, the WTTC study, produced with Oxford Economics, reported that the travel and tourism sector contributed £286 billion to the UK economy in 2024, up 3.9 per cent on 2019. This growth outpaced overall economic expansion over the same period, underscoring the sector’s importance to post‑pandemic recovery.
The WTTC’s findings mirror broader concerns about the health of the UK high street. While retail parks experienced a small net increase in chain outlets last year, high streets and shopping centres continued to decline, losing around 30 per cent and 25 per cent of chain stores respectively over the past decade.
Zelf Hussain, Restructuring Partner at PwC UK, warned that rising payroll costs and higher business rates—introduced in April—would further squeeze profit margins for high‑street retailers and hospitality businesses that cater to visitors. “The challenges facing the retail and tourism sectors are intertwined,” he said. “Unless policy supports growth and investment, the UK risks losing its share of the global tourism market.”
As the government prepares its national visitor economy strategy, industry leaders will be watching closely to see whether future policies reverse the barriers that the WTTC says are holding back one of the UK’s largest economic sectors.
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Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the office. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Key moments in the life of Pope Francis
Apr 22, 2025
POPE FRANCIS, who has died at the age of 88, led the Catholic Church through a period of reform, challenge, and global engagement.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the office.
This timeline highlights some of the major events in his life and ministry.
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Shaheeb, who was already banned from driving until March 2027, was arrested at the scene. (Photo: West Midlands Police)
West Midlands Police
Man jailed for ramming police vehicles in Birmingham
Apr 22, 2025
A MAN has been jailed for 22 weeks after ramming three police vehicles and a civilian car while trying to flee from officers in Birmingham.
Mohammed Shaheeb, 39, was spotted apparently asleep in a parked VW Scirocco with tape over part of the number plate on Montpellier Street on 5 October last year.
As officers from the Guardian Taskforce approached, Shaheeb reversed and drove off towards Moseley Road.
Two other officers blocked the street in an attempt to stop him. Despite a Taser being aimed at him, Shaheeb drove forward, forcing an officer to jump out of the way and crashing into three police vehicles and a member of the public’s car.
Shaheeb, who was already banned from driving until March 2027, was arrested at the scene. Three officers were injured. One was taken to hospital. The others had minor injuries. All later returned to work.
Inside the car, police found false number plates, two sets of pliers, a pair of scissors, and a foil-lined bag.
Shaheeb, of Pershore Road, admitted dangerous driving, going equipped for theft, and several driving offences.
He was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on 17 April and received a further five-year driving ban.
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The family-friendly event also included a funfair with children's rides and games
iStock
Smethwick comes alive with colour and culture for Vaisakhi celebrations
Apr 22, 2025
Smethwick High Street was transformed into a lively hub of colour, music and community spirit as thousands gathered to celebrate Vaisakhi, one of the most significant festivals in the Sikh calendar.
Organised by the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, the event took place on Sunday, 11 May 2025, from 10am to 7pm, covering both the High Street and Victoria Park. The celebration marked the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, a central event in Sikh history.
Attendees took part in a wide range of cultural and religious activities throughout the day. The Darbar area featured spiritual gatherings with the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, accompanied by devotional hymns performed by international Kirtani groups.
One of the highlights of the event was the traditional martial arts displays. Local groups demonstrated Gatka, a form of Sikh martial arts known for its disciplined movements and spiritual significance.
A heritage bazaar showcased elements of Sikh history and culture, while a dedicated food village served a variety of vegetarian Punjabi dishes. Visitors were also invited to enjoy Langar, the traditional free community kitchen, where volunteers provided meals to all regardless of background or belief.
The family-friendly event also included a funfair with children's rides and games, contributing to a festive and inclusive atmosphere.
To accommodate the large turnout and ensure public safety, parts of High Street were temporarily closed to traffic between Trinity Street and Dibble Road. Event organisers worked with local authorities to manage logistics and ensure a smooth experience for visitors.
Smethwick’s Vaisakhi celebrations are regarded as among the largest in the UK. They draw participants from across the West Midlands and beyond, reflecting the area’s strong Sikh community and its commitment to inclusivity and public engagement.
The event concluded in the early evening, with thousands having taken part in what continues to be a cornerstone of the cultural and religious calendar in Smethwick.
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Indian police officers stand guard at a check point following an attack, near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.
Reuters
Gunmen open fire on tourists in Indian Kashmir, at least 24 dead
Apr 22, 2025
AT LEAST 24 people were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday when gunmen opened fire on tourists, a senior police officer told AFP. Authorities said it was the worst attack on civilians in years.
The shooting took place in Pahalgam, a popular summer tourist destination around 90 kilometres from Srinagar. A senior police officer in the region, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the death toll.
Prime minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous act" and said those responsible "will be brought to justice".
I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.
Those behind this heinous act will be brought…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
A tour guide at the scene told AFP he helped evacuate some of the wounded on horseback. "I saw a few men lying on the ground looking like they were dead," said Waheed, who gave only one name.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Armed groups in the Muslim-majority region have been waging an insurgency since 1989, demanding either independence or a merger with Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan claim the region in full but control different parts.
The incident came a day after Modi met US vice president JD Vance, who is on a four-day visit to India.
Chief minister Omar Abdullah described the shooting as a major civilian attack. "The attack is much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years," he said. "This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt."
I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025
India's interior minister Amit Shah said he would visit the site and promised a strong response. "Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences," Shah said.
Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences.…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 22, 2025
Mehbooba Mufti, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, also condemned the shooting. "I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several," she said.
Doctors at a hospital in Anantnag said they had treated several wounded, including two with gunshot wounds and one with a neck injury.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, called the killings "heartbreaking". He said, "The whole country is united against terrorism," and urged the federal government to "take accountability".
जम्मू-कश्मीर के पहलगाम में हुए कायराना आतंकी हमले में पर्यटकों के मारे जाने और कई लोगों के घायल होने की ख़बर बेहद निंदनीय और दिल दहलाने वाली है।
मैं शोकाकुल परिवारों के प्रति गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं और घायलों के जल्द स्वस्थ होने की आशा करता हूं।
आतंक के खिलाफ पूरा देश…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 22, 2025
Modi said the attack would not deter the country’s efforts against terrorism. "Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger," he said.
Kashmir has been promoted as a tourist destination in recent years, with 3.5 million tourists visiting the region in 2024, mostly from within India. The government has encouraged both winter and summer tourism.
In 2023, India hosted a G20 tourism meeting in Srinagar under heavy security. Resorts are being developed in the region, including near the de facto border with Pakistan.
India regularly accuses Pakistan of supporting armed groups behind attacks in Kashmir. Pakistan denies this and says it supports the right of Kashmiris to self-determination.
In February 2019, an attack in Pulwama killed 40 security personnel when a car filled with explosives hit a convoy. The deadliest attack on civilians in recent years was in March 2000, when 36 Indian civilians were killed.
(With inputs from AFP)
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