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See the full DCMS report here.
ABO Welcomes Landmark Report on the Economic Impact of EU touring
The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) welcomes the publication of significant new research commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) examining the economic benefits of touring and the impact of the UK’s exit from the European Union.
The report provides important new evidence of the economic and operational impact of the barriers facing UK touring since EU exit. The ABO contributed evidence and insight to the research, alongside sector partners and the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC), and is pleased to see the experiences of orchestras reflected in its findings.
The research demonstrates the significant value of international touring to the UK economy, while highlighting the extent to which new regulatory and administrative requirements have affected UK organisations and artists touring in Europe. Between 2022 and 2024, EU exit-related reductions in touring across the orchestra, theatre, dance and visual arts sectors resulted in a total loss of £27.8 million in UK Gross Value Added (GVA) and around 440 full-time equivalent jobs. Orchestras experienced the largest declines in international touring among the sectors covered.
Europe remains an essential touring market for orchestras, providing opportunities for musicians, strengthening international relationships and reputation, and generating economic activity across the wider touring ecosystem. Since EU exit, however, immigration, customs, transport, taxation and social security requirements have increased costs, administrative burdens and uncertainty. Reduced touring also has wider implications for workforce sustainability, cultural exchange, audience development and future export growth.
The wider economic case for addressing these barriers is clear. The research estimates that reduced touring associated with EU exit resulted in £208 million in lost UK GVA and 2,490 full-time equivalent jobs between 2022 and 2024 across the sectors covered. It also estimates approximately £1.04 billion in lost GVA across the EU countries included in the analysis.
The ABO has consistently called for practical solutions to the barriers facing orchestras and touring professionals. Today´s report leaves no question as to the benefit of reducing touring barriers, enabling cultural exchange, international collaboration and economic growth on both sides of the Channel.