Research and Report
Over time AIR will commission research to support the growth of the international retail sector.
AIR will also be launching a quarterly insights product to inform supporters and policy makers of the current state of the sector.
Key Research and Report
Tax-Free Shopping
AIR's 2023 November Report to Treasury
Oxford Economic Tax-Free ShoppingAssessment
The reintroduction of TFS would attract more than 1.6 million extra visitors to the UK and stimulate an extra £2.8 billion of tourist spending…
You can read the report here.
Research Library
AIR's evidence submitted to the Treasury on the impact of ending tax-free shopping
You can read this document here.
AIR's report for activities at Labour party conference and assessment of Labour position in tax-free shopping
You can read this document here.
AIR's response to HMRC consultation on the future of tax free shopping.
May 2020.
You can read this document here.
Post-COVID-19 reopening guide for London's West End. May 2020.
You can read this document here.
AIR has created a detailed plan for 'COVID-19 support for businesses reliant or partly on international visitors'.
You can read this document here.
The international visitor sector is vital for UK jobs and growth.
Visitor numbers grew by 32% to 40.9 million between 2009 and 2019.
Spending grew by 61% to
£28.43 billion.
The sector employs 450,000 people.
“25% of all expenditure by overseas visitors is on the UK’s high streets and in the country’s impressive range of department stores.”
VisitBritain has compiled an extensive research document into the importance of shopping on inbound tourism. Although some years out of date, this comprehensive report is extremely informative for the sector at large.
You can read this research here.
VisitBritain commissioned detailed research by Kantar on high net worth travellers from China, USA and the Gulf. Their research aims to better understand those customers who account for the highest spends during trips to the UK.
You can read this research here.
United Nations World Tourism Organisation publish regular updates on global tourism. In 2020 they forecast a growth of 3% to 4% in international tourist arrivals worldwide in 2020. Their website is full of helpful resources for the international retail industry.
You can read their publications here.
Chinese tourists spend while overseas
2018
2000
(Date source: COTRI)
London and Partners’ report on tourism to London from 2017 predicts a sharp rise in tourism to the capital by 2025. They predict tourism numbers will go from 19m in 2016 to over 40m in 2025.
You can read this report here.
The UK China Visa Alliance’s report looks at how the UK government can take practical steps to make it easier for Chinese people to get a UK and Schengen area visa. This would boost tourism and investment in the UK.
You can read their report here
Percentage of population who own a passport
(Date source: Bain & Company)
Bain & Company’s Luxury Study published in 2018 took a detailed look into the recent developments of the luxury goods industry globally. It highlights the growth of the Chinese tourism market, the younger consumer and changes to retail outlets globally.
You can read this report here.
Vistors to the UK
Oct 18 - 19: (£24,520bn spend)
Oct 17 - 18: (£22,770bn spend)
Oct 16 - 17: (£24,460bn spend)
Oct 15 - 16: (£21,840bn spend)
Oct 14 - 15: (£21,730bn spend)
Marketing Manchester works to promote Greater Manchester as a place to visit, invest, do business, and study. Their Review 2019 document is full of helpful insights alongside key facts and figures that demonstrate the importance of international tourism to the Greater Manchester economy.
You can read this report here.
The Tourism Alliance’s 2019 UK tourism statistics report is very helpful for anyone with an interest in the sector. Its full of easy-to-read facts and figures that demonstrate the importance of this sector to the UK economy.
You can read this report here.
The House of Commons Library have produced their research summary of the UK inbound and outbound tourism industry. They have pulled together lots of important research from a wide variety of sources.
You can read this report here.
Most popular shopping destinations for super rich tourists
(Date source: Bain & Company)
AIR's 2020 'Post-coronavirus retail recovery plan' is a detailed response to the current outbreak, and highlights 5 points to encourage Chinese visitors back to the UK once the virus has been beaten.
You can read this report here.
Oliver Wyman consultants have released a fascinating report on the changing preferences of Chinese tourists.
You can read this report here.
Global Blue commissioned research into the economic impact of tax free shopping in the UK, suggesting that for every £1 the Government refunds it gains up to £1.90 in additional tax and savings.
You can read this report here.
International retail makes a major contribution to the UK economy.
£6 billion spent on shopping by international visitors (2019).
UK’s 12th largest export sector.
120,000 direct retail employees.
Tourist organisation links
The official tourism website for Great Britain.
The Tourism Alliance works to promote all businesses involved in the delivery of tourism, particularly in England.
The leading hospitality trade association in the UK.
London’s international trade, investment and promotion agency.
The official visitors’ website to London.
The official tourist board for Manchester and Greater Manchester.
The official tourist board for Edinburgh.
The trade association representing inboard tourism.
Marketing Manchester is the agency charged with promoting Greater Manchester on the national and international stage.
The UN agency promoting ethical, sustainable and accessible tourism.
Retail organisation links
The trade association for independent retailers.
The trade association for all UK retailers.
The membership body representing 190,000 British businesses.
Revo supports the people and businesses involved in the diverse world of retail property.
The official sector body for over 250 of the UK's finest luxury brands.
