UKinbound questions wisdom of increasing cost of tourism visas

The government's decision to add 2% to the cost of a tourist visa sends the wrong message to potential visitors, according to UKinbound.

The association said that the increase, which is set to be implemented in April, would have "a long term detrimental effect on inbound tourism to the UK".

Chief executive Deirdre Wells said: "I am extremely disappointed to see that visit visas will be increased by 2% and believe it will have a long-term detrimental effect on inbound tourism to the UK. Each inbound visitor contributes an additional £630 in export earnings and contributes £216 to the Exchequer: they more than pay their way already.

She added that even though it would be a small increase, it sent the wrong message to potential visitors.

Wells added: "Last year, we were encouraged to see the government improving the accessibility of the UK for tourists with the reduction in the cost of a two year visa for Chinese visitors to £85 - it would be unfortunate if that message of support was to be undermined by a fee increase in 2016."