AIR's response to HMRC consultation on the future of tax free shopping. 
May 2020.

You can read this document here.

Post-COVID-19 reopening guide for London's West End. May 2020.

You can read this document here.

AIR has created a detailed plan for 'COVID-19 support for businesses reliant or partly on international visitors'.

You can read this document here.

VisitBritain has compiled an extensive research document into the importance of shopping on inbound tourism. Although some years out of date, this comprehensive report is extremely informative for the sector at large.

You can read this research here.

VisitBritain commissioned detailed research by Kantar on high net worth travellers from China, USA and the Gulf. Their research aims to better understand those customers who account for the highest spends during trips to the UK.

You can read this research here.

United Nations World Tourism Organisation publish regular updates on global tourism. In 2020 they forecast a growth of 3% to 4% in international tourist arrivals worldwide in 2020. Their website is full of helpful resources for the international retail industry.

You can read their publications here.

Chinese tourists spend while overseas

2018

2000

(Date source: COTRI)

Walpole’s Economic Contribution to the UK, a 2019 report, offers excellent insight into the luxury retail industry. Walpole is the trade body for the British luxury retail sector.

You can read this report here.

London and Partners’ report on tourism to London from 2017 predicts a sharp rise in tourism to the capital by 2025. They predict tourism numbers will go from 19m in 2016 to over 40m in 2025.

You can read this report here.

The UK China Visa Alliance’s report looks at how the UK government can take practical steps to make it easier for Chinese people to get a UK and Schengen area visa. This would boost tourism and investment in the UK.

You can read their report here

Percentage of population who own a passport

(Date source: Bain & Company)

Bain & Company’s Luxury Study published in 2018 took a detailed look into the recent developments of the luxury goods industry globally. It highlights the growth of the Chinese tourism market, the younger consumer and changes to retail outlets globally.

You can read this report here.

Vistors to the UK

Oct 18 - 19: (£24,520bn spend)

Oct 17 - 18: (£22,770bn spend)

Oct 16 - 17: (£24,460bn spend)

Oct 15 - 16: (£21,840bn spend)

Oct 14 - 15: (£21,730bn spend)

(Date source: Office for National Statistics)

Marketing Manchester works to promote Greater Manchester as a place to visit, invest, do business, and study. Their Review 2019 document is full of helpful insights alongside key facts and figures that demonstrate the importance of international tourism to the Greater Manchester economy.

You can read this report here.

The Tourism Alliance’s 2019 UK tourism statistics report is very helpful for anyone with an interest in the sector. Its full of easy-to-read facts and figures that demonstrate the importance of this sector to the UK economy.

You can read this report here.

The House of Commons Library have produced their research summary of the UK inbound and outbound tourism industry. They have pulled together lots of important research from a wide variety of sources.

You can read this report here.

Most popular shopping destinations for super rich tourists

(Date source: Bain & Company)

AIR's 2020 'Post-coronavirus retail recovery plan' is a detailed response to the current outbreak, and highlights 5 points to encourage Chinese visitors back to the UK once the virus has been beaten.

You can read this report here.

Oliver Wyman consultants have released a fascinating report on the changing preferences of Chinese tourists.

You can read this report here.

Global Blue commissioned research into the economic impact of tax free shopping in the UK, suggesting that for every £1 the Government refunds it gains up to £1.90 in additional tax and savings.

You can read this report here.