The number of outbound visits from the United Kingdom was significantly lower in 2021 compared to 2019 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Overall, Spain was the most visited country by UK residents in 2021 with around 4.2 million visits, while it reported over 18 million visits in 2019. France , Portugal, and Greece followed in the ranking in 2021, all experiencing a sharp decrease in visits from the United Kingdom over pre-pandemic levels.
Spain still a favorite among UK holidaymakers
Spain has become a firm favorite among holiday travelers from Britain, as it continually lists as the most visited holiday destination abroad. Beach holidays are popular among Brits in search of warmer climates, and the relative ease and cheapness of package holidays to the Mediterranean make it possible. Along with France and Germany, the UK is a key tourist market for Spain.
Will Brexit impact outbound tourism?
Outbound travel from the UK to Europe has been steadily increasing over the last decade, however many have expressed concern regarding the impact of Brexit on holidaymakers heading to Europe. Although visa-free travel has been put forward as part of the withdrawal agreement, until the UK leaves the EU the exact impact is unknown. Expectations of travelers include less favorable exchange rates, more expensive travel and longer passport queues at airports.
Leading countries visited by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2021
(in 1,000 visits)
Data for 2021 excludes the Eurotunnel. Dover traffic was only included from the third quarter of the year.
The source adds the following information: "No data were collected for Q2 to Q4 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Estimates are based on models using passenger numbers and IPS trend data".
Data can be found under Tab 3.06 of the source's Excel file.
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Office for National Statistics (UK). (June 15, 2022). Leading countries visited by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2021 (in 1,000 visits) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved July 04, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/578815/most-visited-countries-united-kingdom-uk-residents/
Office for National Statistics (UK). "Leading countries visited by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2021 (in 1,000 visits)." Chart. June 15, 2022. Statista. Accessed July 04, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/578815/most-visited-countries-united-kingdom-uk-residents/
Office for National Statistics (UK). (2022). Leading countries visited by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2021 (in 1,000 visits). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: July 04, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/578815/most-visited-countries-united-kingdom-uk-residents/
Office for National Statistics (UK). "Leading Countries Visited by Residents of The United Kingdom (Uk) in 2019 and 2021 (in 1,000 Visits)." Statista, Statista Inc., 15 Jun 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/578815/most-visited-countries-united-kingdom-uk-residents/
Office for National Statistics (UK), Leading countries visited by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2021 (in 1,000 visits) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/578815/most-visited-countries-united-kingdom-uk-residents/ (last visited July 04, 2022)
