Exhibitions, trade fairs, business meetings, conferences and other related activities provide a super-marketing platform for leading UK sectors, such as life science and finance, to showcase their products and latest innovations. Every industry has at least one major show or annual event. Prior to COVID-19, the UK business events industry was worth over £31.2 billion annually in direct visitor spending by event attendees and it employed an estimated 700,000 people across a wide range of creative, logistical, marketing, technical and organisational jobs. A further £165 billion was transacted at events (e.g. boat sales at the Southampton Boat Show) which provide platforms for business-to-business and business-to-consumer engagement, sales and growth

Tourism does not just have a major economic and jobs impact, it also connects people to the UK’s culture, heritage and natural landscapes like no other sector. Whether visiting friends or relatives in another part of the country, having a long weekend away, or booking a long holiday, tourism can have positive impacts on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, experiencing the UK first hand as an international visitor adds to the UK’s soft power, building the UK’s global reputation and promoting the UK’s values. This in turn generates a familiarity with, and an affection for, the UK that encourages shared alliances, inward investment, repeat visits and international trade.