“I think there are a lot more question marks on business trips. And of course, that affects cities the most, ”said Yates of VisitBritain. “You know, those big four- or five-star hotels in London really need business travelers to come back.”

Some attractions, including the Tower of London, plan to focus on local visitors to make up for some losses. Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners, which drives business and investment in the capital, said one strategy is to market this year as a golden opportunity for Britons to enjoy their main attractions without the usual crowds.



London Beyond the Pandemic - Tourism

A sign in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace saying there is no changing of the guard, which has been stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic in London on Thursday March 25th 2021. After three national bans, London’s tourist attractions and other hospitality businesses are provisionally planning to reopen in mid-May – at the earliest, according to the government, international travel can be resumed. (AP Photo / Alastair Grant)


Alastair Grant

“We are very focused on spring and early summer, especially Londoners and people from the rest of the UK rediscovering the city,” said Citron.

Maybe easier said than done. When restrictions eased last summer, many British flocked to coastal and rural destinations. Surveys have shown that many remain cautious about visiting a large city and using local transport. London has always been proud of its public transport network and how few people go to the city, but that strength has become a weakness of the pandemic.

Some Londoners who have been out for a weekend say that while they love having the city to themselves, they are also interested in seeing it open again to visitors soon.

“The usual tourist attractions that are usually only visited by outside of the city feel a little more accessible in a slightly unexpected way,” said Ashleigh Muchatuta, 33.

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