LONDON Jul. 14 （People's Daily Online）—— International spend growth in the UK has slowed, and following a year of political unrest and economic decline in key spending nations, total Tax Free spend in the UK dropped for the first time in 2014, down -3%. However, the external factors did not have as big an impact on top European competitors. Global Blue figures reveal France saw growth of +8% in 2014 and Italy was unaffected.

UK business leader from retail and leisure industry recently gathered to Global Blue’s annual forum where the retail tourism expert revealed the key recommendations for UK tourism against European competitors.

Over 200 heads gathered at the event to hear from industry leaders Gordon Clark, Head of Commercial at Global Blue; Gavin Hayes, Director of Let Britain Fly; Helen Dickinson, Director General of the British Retail Consortium and Michelle Emmerson, CEO of Walpole, what the UK government needs to do regain tourism spend growth and secure the UK’s position as a leading visitor destination.

Gordon Clark comments: “The decline in international spend in 2014 while France and Italy remained unaffected should sound alarm bells, and with spend up just +4% YOY to date for 2015 action must be taken to facilitate visitors’ journeys and drive the economic potential they bring while here. Tourism VAT, the visa application process, airport capacity and Tax Free shopping solutions have been on the agenda lacking progress for too long and it is vital the Government takes the necessary steps now before the UK loses out further to European competitors.”