New VisitBritain research highlights tourism's importance to social cohesion and wellbeing

VisitBritain has published a new report, 'The Social Value of Tourism,' which demonstrates the positive cultural and social impacts that tourism has on local communities across the UK.

Looking beyond the significant economic impact of the sector, the research provides evidence of how tourism improves wellbeing and social cohesion for both visitors and residents alike, as well as boosting employment opportunities, social mobility and improving local infrastructure.

Image: Visit Bristol

Key findings from the report include:

• Tourism creates employment opportunities for people from a wide range of educational backgrounds and for young people through strong apprenticeships, especially in rural and coastal communities. 85% of tourism/leisure apprenticeships were undertaken by those aged 24 and under, compared to 52% across all sectors.
• Tourism improves infrastructure and access to culture, green spaces and local businesses, with more than half of host community residents living within five miles of these amenities compared to longer distances elsewhere. High footfall tourist areas also had examples of expanding bus and rail services benefitting both residents and visitors.
• Tourism strengthens the link between people and their communities. 58% of residents surveyed in these destinations felt connected to their community compared to 35% elsewhere. Those living in tourism areas were also more likely to be proud of their local area with sense of pride-in-place scoring 12% higher overall than in ‘non-host’ communities.
• Domestic tourism positively impacts personal wellbeing, with the report finding that almost 80% of people surveyed felt more positive after travelling in the UK and more than 70% felt healthier or more replenished after their trip.  

Image: Gavin Hellier 

The report examines the social impact across three sections:

• Community Roots - Pride, Identity, and Empowerment;
• Shared Spaces - Nature, Culture, and Everyday Benefits;
• Future Pathways - Growing, Regenerative, and Inclusive Tourism.

Image: The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare 

14 case studies from a range of destinations are also included and tell the story of the transformative impact of tourism, through a local lens.

Download the report here. 

Image: Berkeley Castle