ONS Consultation on Travel and Tourism Statistics
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is looking for feedback to inform a review of our travel and tourism statistics.
Travel and tourism statistics are used by businesses, policy-makers, tourism boards and many others to understand patterns and behaviours of people who travel both internationally and domestically. ONS are reviewing how well these statistics are meeting the needs of the people and organisations using them.
Similarly, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted some weaknesses in the current approach to data collection.
The review, of which this consultation is a part, is seeking to gather a comprehensive understanding of user needs, and to explore how best they can be met in a changing environment.
The proposed approach
As part of the review, ONS have developed a proposed approach for how measure travel and tourism statistics will be measured in future. The proposed approach represents a move away from how ONS formerly collected data (relying heavily on the International Passenger Survey) and towards a system that maximises the use of alternative data sources alongside survey data.
ONS are asking organisations and people who use travel and tourism statistics to provide feedback on this proposed approach, which aims to:
- deliver statistical outputs that better meet the needs of users
- maximise the use of alternative data sources
- use surveys where necessary
- deliver improved coherence across all travel and tourism statistics
Details on the consultation can be found here, as well as this accompanying article and methods paper for full details of what ONS are proposing.
The ONS are also running a series of webinars for the travel and tourism statistics review. The webinars will provide opportunities for further discussion on the consultation and for ONS to answer any questions you may have about the consultation or how to respond.
The next webinar is:
- Tuesday 23rd November 2021 – 2.30pm – 3.30pm
If you would like to attend, please register your interest, stating which webinar you would like to attend using the email address : travel.and.tourism@ons.gov.uk
The consultation closes on 21 December 2021.
The final recommendations of the review will be published in Spring 2022.
How to respond
You can respond to the consultation online; responses in writing or by email will also be accepted via:
or: ONS Consultations Team, Post Room, Office for National Statistics, Segensworth Road, Fareham, PO15 5RR
Should you wish to submit your main response online and any supporting information via hard copy or email, please be clear that this is part of the same consultation response.
Accessibility
All material relating to this consultation can be provided in braille, large print, or audio formats on request. British Sign Language interpreters can also be requested for any supporting events.
