Sadiq Khan – 2022 Comments on Tourism in London

The comments made by Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, on 20 January 2022.

The data I am releasing today really underlines just how devastating the drop in tourism in the capital has been – and will continue to be – for years to come.

It is obvious that many of London’s hospitality, retail, cultural and leisure businesses that rely heavily on tourists will be fighting for their survival for months to come, meaning many thousands of jobs are still at risk.

I have committed to doing everything I can to support London’s economic recovery now, and in the years to come. But the stark reality is that these sectors won’t be able to sustain pre-pandemic levels of employment until tourists return in significant numbers.

That’s why I am urging Government to take meaningful action to prevent widespread job losses and the financial hardship this will bring for Londoners, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet.