April's Royal Wedding had a "limited effect" on incremental inbound tourism business in the UK despite positive media coverage, according to a survey of UKinbound members.

The tourism agency said its research had found that global coverage of the event had created an "overall positive image", but warned that visitors were still being deterred from visiting.

UKinbound has called on the government to work with the industry to tackle a number of issues that it said was harming inbound tourism, including airport departure taxes.

High rates of VAT on accommodation and other services have also come under fire, as well as a "cumbersome" visa application process for emerging markets such as China.

UKinbound chief executive Mary Rance said: "Many of our members feel that the recent widespread global media coverage of the Royal Wedding has created a very positive image of the UK.

"However, to translate this into tangible business for the inbound tourism industry in the longer term it is vital that the government and industry as a whole work together to address some of the key factors which continue to deter potential visitors."

Image: Aurelien Guichard