Visitor numbers to the UK increased by 6 per cent between June and August compared with the previous three months, according to new figures.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed an increase of 7 per cent in expenditure by overseas residents during the period, while the number of UK residents travelling abroad also grew.

However, the ONS also found that inbound visitor numbers in the 12 months to August 2010 fell by 1 per cent to 29.5 million, while there was a 9 per cent decline in visits abroad by UK travellers.

Roger Smith, head of the ONS' International Passenger Survey, said: "There has been some growth in visits to and from the UK following very low numbers in the first few months of 2010.

"However, overall numbers are still down on a year ago. This applies in particular to visits abroad by UK residents which have risen in recent months to levels approaching those of 2009."

Mike Saul, head of hospitality and leisure at Barclays Corporate, added: "The inbound travel industry continues to benefit from the pound's weakness against the euro and the dollar. This makes the UK, and in particular London, an attractive destination for foreign and domestic visitors.

"However, anecdotal evidence points to a slower pick up outside the capital and overall the recovery of the sector continues to remain fragile."