An end of year message from English UK

As the end of the year approaches, we'd like to thank you all for your support in 2022.  

Green shoots of sector recovery emerged over the course of 2022. Our latest quarterly statistics showed member business over the summer reached 60% of pre-pandemic levels. And our insight partners BONARD predict that we are on course to reach 80% recovery of annual business in 2023. 

But we recognise the immense challenges facing the sector. We know that you will all be concerned by the prospect of staffing and accommodation shortages limiting sector capacity alongside wider economic pressures. We continue to work hard to respond, acknowledging that our response is more effective when we act together. We have established a working group to consider and implement short and longer term steps to mitigate the impact of the capacity challenge.

We are liaising with our partners to influence policymakers and optimise the operating environment for UK ELT. As part of the Tourism Alliance, we are supporting their recently published 10-point policy plan. We continue to prioritise lobbying for the creation of a youth group travel scheme, youth mobility, five-year low-cost visa and reform of business rates.

We are committed to the promotion of UK ELT to increase student numbers and maximise sector recovery by improving our market intelligence, expanding the reach of the English with Confidence campaign and ensuring StudyWorld, which will be held in person in 2023, is an accessible platform where members can develop productive partnerships.  

There is optimism to be found in VisitBritain's latest inbound tourism forecast for 2023. It predicts visitor numbers will reach 86% of 2019 levels, while visitor spending will exceed the record high seen in 2019 by 4%. We hope this tourism forecast spells good news for UK ELT and student numbers in 2023.

The English UK team remains dedicated to supporting the sector, and we look forward to working with you in 2023. Wishing you all a happy and peaceful holiday and a successful 2023.