Suffolk Growth has published the latest visitor economy recovery forecast that charts a gradual return to £2.1 billion value of the sector produced in 2019.  You can view the report here.

The recovery of the visitor economy for Suffolk has seen a welcome acceleration as COVID restrictions lifted in 2021 but remains some 35% down in economic value compared to pre pandemic levels.

This report analyses the impacts of the cost of living on visitor intentions and economic growth indicators to project forecasts for domestic and international trips to the county up to 2025.

Across consumer surveys, the majority of UK adults are being ‘cautious or very careful’ regarding booking or planning trips too far ahead, and household incomes are also expected to fall by 2.25% in 2023.

The short term forecast for Suffolk’s visitor economy to return to pre pandemic visitor levels is now anticipated in late 2024.

Suffolk Growth along with all local authorities and visitor economy stakeholders are working collaboratively to mitigate this trajectory and enable growth through strategic developments and investments in the sector and DMO led marketing campaigns.