According to data from “VisitBritain,” the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks 19th as the largest source of the tourism market in Britain. However, when considering the volume of visitors’ spending, the UAE takes the tenth spot, despite its small population.
A recent report by The National magazine revealed that Kuwaitis spent a staggering 305 million pounds during their stay in the United Kingdom in 2022. This places them as the third highest spenders among Gulf tourists, following the Emiratis and Saudis.
It is worth noting that the peak of Kuwaitis’ spending on tourism in Britain between 2013 and 2022 was in 2017 when they splurged a significant 575 million pounds sterling.
Interestingly, the data also indicates that London has become less attractive for shopping since the abolition of the tax-free shopping system in January 2021. The government anticipated that canceling the system would generate an estimated 2 billion pounds in revenue for the British treasury. However, critics argue that the benefits have been greatly exaggerated and that the move has resulted in a loss of approximately two million visitors to the country.
On a positive note, spending by American visitors to the United Kingdom in 2022 witnessed a remarkable 101 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. In contrast, British sales to visitors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia only reached 65 percent of their 2019 levels.
Nevertheless, VisitBritain’s forecasts indicate that spending by visitors from Gulf countries in Britain is expected to return to 2019 levels and even surpass them by 2025. In an effort to boost the number of visitors from the Gulf, the organization is actively working with the tourism market. It hopes that initiatives such as the electronic travel authorization plan will encourage more tourists to visit. This plan, which costs 10 pounds sterling, allows for multiple visits to Britain over a two-year period.
While Qatar was the first Gulf country to adopt the electronic travel authorization plan, as of February 1, 2024, it will be available to citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
These efforts demonstrate VisitBritain’s commitment to attracting and accommodating visitors from the Gulf region. By facilitating travel and addressing specific needs, such as electronic authorization, the organization aims to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for Gulf tourists exploring the wonders of Britain.
As the tourism market continues to evolve, it is essential for destinations to adapt to changing trends and preferences. By understanding the spending patterns and behaviors of Gulf visitors, Britain can further enhance its appeal and strengthen its position as a top tourist destination.
Source: TimesKuwait
