Annual Attractions Survey shows scale of impact on visitor attractions from Covid-19
19th August 2021
The results from VisitEngland’s 2020 Annual Attractions Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions are now online showing a 65% drop in visitors overall compared to 2019 and a 55% decline in revenue.
These declines were driven by site closures associated with lockdowns and opening restrictions and the significant contraction of inbound and domestic tourism in 2020. The fall in visit numbers last year to England’s attractions were most marked for museums and galleries, other historic properties and places of worship many of which rely on overseas visitors. Outdoor attractions, such as country park, wildlife attractions/zoos and gardens showed the smallest decreases. Overall, rural attractions fared best last year, with admissions dropping by 47% compared to a 74% decline for those in more urban areas.
Speaking about the results, Nigel Huddleston, Tourism Minister, said: “I know what a challenging year it’s been for our brilliant tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors. Tourism is one of our country’s greatest assets, driving our economy and delivering jobs across our communities. That’s why we’ve provided an unprecedented £25 billion in support, including through grants, the furlough scheme and tax breaks. There are so many wonderful attractions to visit in our towns and cities and its great to see VisitEngland’s Escape the Everyday campaign championing these opportunities as we build back better.”
The survey which gathered information from 1301 English attractions also showed the impact from the absence of international visitors in 2020 with a drop of 93% in overseas visitor numbers.