Oxford Magic Walking Tours a 90-minute, small group Oxford walking tour that blends Oxford University history, film locations and live, close-up magic, is celebrating five star feedback across multiple platforms while highlighting how much tourism contributes to the UK: £147 billion a year, 2.4 million jobs, and £52 billion in tax revenues.
Why this matters (in numbers)
-
The latest national research shows:
-
Tourism is worth £147 billion a year to the UK about 5% of the whole economy (direct + supply chain).
-
It is bigger than insurance and pensions combined, and employs more people than those and financial services combined.
-
Tourism generated £52 billion in tax in 2024 more than half the wages bill of the NHS in England.
Jobs and growth
-
Tourism supports nearly 1 in 15 jobs about 2.4 million across the UK.
-
It accounts for at least 5% of jobs in every region and nation.
-
It creates first jobs and helps young workers upskill.
-
It’s on track to add 175,000 more jobs by 2030.
Looking ahead
-
Total tourism activity is forecast to reach £161 billion by 2030 9.3% growth, ahead of the wider UK economy (8.8%)
-
Inbound tourism is set to drive much of this, with value up 32% between 2026 and 2030.
“Tourism isn’t a nice to have it’s essential. It’s £147bn a year, 2.4m UK jobs and £52bn in tax revenue. Americans alone spent £7.3bn here last year almost a quarter of all inbound spend. That money keeps people in jobs on the high street baristas, chefs, taxi drivers, hotel staff, guides and shop workers”
Shane Sterling, Oxford University alumnus, and CEO of Oxford Magic Walking Tours.
Domestic travel matters
-
84% of domestic overnight tourism spend happens outside London.
-
If the British people shifted just 10% of what they spend on trips abroad to holidays at home, it would add £8 billion a year to the economy.
Key markets
-
The USA remains critical forecast to be worth £7.6 billion to the UK in 2026, and more than £1 in every £5 of inbound visitor spend.
-
China and India together are expected to grow by 12% a year to 2030.
-
Oxford Magic Walking Tours will keep welcoming visitors from the UK, the US and beyond turning a 90-minute walk into shared and unforgettable memories. we’re proud to be a small, reliable part of it keeping guides in work, keeping high streets busy, and showing Oxford at its best. Images and interviews available on request.
