The UK Sways from Travel Hotspot to Troubled Destination. What Can Be Done?

(CNN) - The UK, once a prime European tourist destination, has struggled to recover its pre-pandemic visitor numbers. In 2019, nearly 41 million overseas residents visited the UK, but by 2023, this number had dropped to 37.68 million, a decrease of 7.3%.

Meanwhile, other European countries have seen a rise in tourism, with Italy setting a new record for arrivals in 2023. International visitors applying for tourist visas to the UK have also declined by 19% compared to pre-pandemic figures.

Several factors have contributed to the UK's slow tourism recovery. Regular strikes have severely hampered transport, with rail cancellations reaching record levels, according to the new government's pre-election manifesto.

Additionally, the UK's once-glorious coastline has seen increasing pollution from sewage, tax-free shopping for tourists has been discontinued, and EU visitors now need a passport to visit, which many do not possess.

Safety concerns have also affected tourism. In early 2024, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak raised alarms about rising knife crime in London, citing a 20% increase in such incidents. Although his comments were politically motivated during a local election campaign, they painted a concerning picture for potential visitors.

The recent landslide victory of the Labour Party in the July 4 election brings a promise of change. Labour's pre-election manifesto highlighted the country's issues, including deteriorating infrastructure and frequent transport disruptions.

The party has committed to modernizing the UK's transport infrastructure and rebuilding the nation's crumbling facilities. Plans include bringing the railways under public ownership and repairing potholes to improve travel by car.

Despite these promises, significant changes will take time. Labour's infrastructure overhaul is part of a 10-year plan, meaning immediate improvements may not be visible to tourists planning their trips in the near future. However, the commitment to long-term investment in the country's infrastructure signals a hopeful direction for the future of UK tourism.

As the new government settles in, the tourism industry will be closely watching how these pledges translate into action. With comprehensive efforts to address transport issues, safety concerns, and environmental pollution, there is potential for the UK to regain its status as a top European tourist destination.