New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have posted a 5 per cent decline in the number of inbound visitors to the UK between December 2010 and February 2011.

The latest statistics - derived from the International Passenger Survey - confirmed the drop in overseas residents travelling to the UK, compared with September-November 2010.

In the year to February 2011, visitor numbers from North America decreased by 6 per cent to 3.3 million, although overall business visits increased by 4 per cent for the period.

Meanwhile, the three months to February 2011 also saw a 6 per cent drop in the number of UK residents travelling abroad, compared with the previous quarter.

Mike Saul, head of hospitality and leisure at Barclays Corporate, said: "Travel businesses we speak to report a general trend of shorter summer holidays and a move back from mid-haul destinations such as Egypt to short-haul destinations including Italy and Spain.

"However, there are early indications of a substantial boost to forward bookings for winter 2011-12, which is a more positive measure of confidence."