UK scores highly in global tourism study, despite being expensive

The UK is the sixth most competitive country when it comes to tourism, according to an international study.

It moved up from 10th position in last year's ranking in the Global Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report, put together by the World Economic Forum in conjunction with the international strategy and technology consultants Booz Allen Hamilton and other partners.

"Although the UK's improvement reflects a good performance in areas such as environmental sustainability (10th) and air transport infrastructure (4th) there are still causes for concern," said Adrian Foster, vice-president Booz Allen Hamilton.

"The comparatively low score for safety and security (65th place) is unlikely to reassure travellers. And the country's comparative lack of openness to foreign visitors (75th place) is particularly worrying with the Olympics taking place in London in 2012.

"The UK also needs to improve on price competitiveness as at 127th it is one of the most expensive countries to visit."

Switzerland, Austria and Germany hold the three top places, followed by Australia and Spain.

The study included an environmental sustainability category for the first time.

The top 10 for environmental sustainability are all in western Europe, with Sweden leading the way.

"Customers increasingly demand 'green' tourism services and global private travel and tourism players have a growing need to pick up this opportunity and promote destinations that follow a long-term environmentally sustainable strategy," added Foster. By Bev Fearis Travel Mole website.

Published: 11.3.2008