The Tourism Alliance has called for the government to implement new measures to help support the industry after it was revealed that the number of UK residents holidaying in Britain fell by 11 per cent in August.

During the month the number of overnight trips fell by 1.7 million (11 per cent) and spending dropped by 9 per cent, compared to the same period in 2007. In the eight months to August 2008, the amount of overnight trips has fallen by 3 per cent.

Bob Cotton, chair of the Tourism Alliance, said: "The figures showed that there had been a considerable downturn in domestic tourism since the start of the year, which is likely to continue into 2009.

"Domestic tourism is on the slide. Unless decisive action is taken to support it a considerable number of tourism-related jobs will be at risk."

Cotton has urged a review of existing and proposed legislation to see where costs to tourism businesses can be reduced. He said: "Proposed regulations on employment, food labelling, service charges, tipping, and licensing will lead to additional costs that businesses can ill afford.  The increase in Air Passenger Duty, announced in the pre-budget report, will deter people from visiting the UK just at the time we need to boost tourism."

He has also urged for new public and private sector campaigns to stimulate demand and take advantage of the pound's fall in value. 

Cotton's comments come soon after the Spanish government announced a financial package of assistance for its tourism industry worth €400m (£346m). 

He said: "Spain recognises the value of its tourism industry which is hardly the case with the UK government.    

"Implementing these two measures would go a long way towards protecting the UK tourism industry.  Without them, tourism revenue will fall and job losses will multiply."