The UK tourism industry could grow by a massive £24 billion over the next seven years if the government can better help attract foreign and domestic visitors to Britain, according to a new report.

VisitBritain, the UK’s tourist board, has calculated that the industry could grow from £76 billion a year today to £100 billion in 2010 if more money was assigned to help entice visitors from abroad and stimulate the domestic tourist market.

As reported by Startups.co.uk, the UK’s tourism industry has suffered badly since a disastrous year in 2001, when the terrorist attacks in America and the foot and mouth epidemic resulted in thousands of visitors scrap plans to come to Britain, particularly the country side.

The current global economic downturn, SARS and the recent war in Iraq have deterred tourists from visiting the UK this year, leading to huge financial problems for many small companies that rely on the tourism trade.

Hotels have struggled to fill rooms and keep prices high over the past two years, while many small gift shops and cafes that depend on foreign or British visitors have been forced to close down.

VisitBritain said the various problems over the past two years have led to the UK falling from fifth to seventh place in the world tourism earnings league, with many long haul travellers in particular declining to make the trip to Britain.

The tourism body said that the sector, which is responsible for employing more than 2.1 million and provides 4.5 per cent of the UK’s GDP, needs to keep pace with international competitors if it is to recover.

Sir Michael Lickiss, chairman of VisitBritain, said that the UK would only recapture its previous standing in tourism if investment and growth outperforms that of other European countries.

“Britain is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations with wonderful assets, but collectively we really need to address the fundamental changes taking place in the tourism industry world-wide.

“Growth will only come if we improve skills and quality, fully embrace e-tourism, invest in new markets and invest in the perception of the Britain brand overseas.

“Meanwhile, closer to home, we need to make domestic holidays more attractive and easier to book,” he said.

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