UK tourism deficit hits £20b

The UK's tourism deficit now stands at more than £20b, with spending growth by tourists coming to the UK continuing to be outstripped by UK holidaymakers when they go abroad, official figures have revealed.

During the 12 months to February 2008, spending by overseas tourists coming to the UK increased by just 2% to £16.7b, while UK residents spend abroad jumped 6% to £36.8b, the Office for National Statistics said.

This resulted in a deficit to the UK of £20.2b compared with £18.4b in the 12 months to February 2007.

The UK was badly hit during the quarter by a 3% drop in visits from North America to 4.6 million.

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By Daniel Thomas

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