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The UK government faces accusations of undermining its tourism sector, with international visitor spending falling by over £2bn in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, as reported by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Key policies criticized include the removal of tax-free shopping, increased air passenger duties, and the introduction of electronic travel authorizations, which industry leaders claim hinder competitiveness. Despite these challenges, a government spokesperson asserted ongoing support for the tourism industry, emphasizing plans for a national visitor economy strategy to attract 50 million visitors annually by 2030.
