(10 Mar 2025) As publishers, authors and book lovers gather in London this week for The London Book Fair (11-13 March) new research from the Publishers Association shows that UK books, journals and education resources are at the heart of the UK’s soft power, playing a key role in attracting tourism, students and contributing to the UK’s cultural and academic collaboration around the globe.
UK publishing is one of the country’s biggest success stories, with 80% of international adults surveyed agreeing that British literature positively contributes towards the country’s international reputation. This was higher than music (73%), sports and athletics (72%), or business and economic influence (57%).
Other key findings from the study, conducted by Public First, include:
Publishing’s impact on the UK’s international reputation:
- 80% of international adults surveyed agreed that British academic research positively contributes to towards the country’s international reputation.
- Almost two thirds (63%) of international adults who participated in the survey believe that the UK would not have the international influence it does today without the impact of British literature.
- 82% of the international adults in our study placed the UK among the top 5 most influential countries globally for academic research.
- 68% of the international students we surveyed reported that the global reputation of UK-based academic publications was an important factor for their decision to study in the UK.
Publishing’s impact on the UK tourism:
- The total value of UK literary tourism (domestic and overseas) is forecast to rise from £1.7 billion in 2024 to £2.1 billion by 2030 – almost a 25% increase.
- 54% of international adults in the study have been inspired to visit UK locations, such as landmarks, towns, or cities, because of their connection to a work of British literature.
Find out more here.
