Museums and Tourism
Tourism is an important part of the UK economy and is the 5th largest industry in the UK. Museums are drivers of British tourism and play a significant role in attracting visitors and in building the British brand. Research shows that cultural activities, including the many free museums and galleries, attract international visitors to the UK and are seen as some of Britain’s core strengths. Statistics testify to museums’ success in attracting visitors: eight of the top ten UK visitor attractions in 2009 were museums and galleries and three UK museums were in the top five most visited international art museums in 2009.
Museums are major beneficiaries of income from visitors, who contribute directly to the tourism economy. Studies calculate that in 2006 overseas visitors to major UK museums and galleries spent £350 million as a result of their visit and UK visitors, who spend considerably less per visit, were estimated to have spent £245 million in 2004. Visitor surveys show that the vast majority of visitors have a positive experience in major museums.
In July 2010 NMDC produced a new briefing paper on museums and tourism, highlighting the role of museums as drivers of British tourism. The briefing is full of facts and figures and analysis of the role of museums in building the UK brand, attracting international visitors and contributing to the UK’s tourism economy.
NMDC argues that developing and promoting museums’ offer could help to attract new visitors to the UK, encourage them to stay longer and improve the quality of the visitor 'welcome' in the UK. NMDC is calling on the Government to involve museums in the development of tourism policy to ensure full consideration of museums’ offer, potential, knowledge and experience, and to invest in transport infrastructure and public spaces in which museums operate to improve the visitor experience.
Read the full NMDC briefing on Museums and Tourism.
Visit Britain Tourism Framework Review 2009
Read an NMDC letter to the Culture Secretary in response to the Tourism Framework Review.
Read an NMDC letter to the Executive Chair of Visit Britain in response to the Tourism Framework Review.