The number of inbound visitors to the UK will increase by around 300,000 during 2011, an increase of 1 per cent.

According to latest figures from VisitBritain, the number of inbound trips will reach 30 million, as confidence among overseas tourists continues to rise despite global financial uncertainties.

The amount tourists spend in the country is set to increase by 2 per cent to £17.2bn. The figure is considerably lower in real terms than the best year (2006 - £18.4bn) for inbound visitor spend.

During 2011, VisitBritain is expected to invest heavily in promoting three forthcoming events - The Royal Wedding in 2011, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic Games in 2012.

Sandie Dawe, VisitBritain's chief executive, said: "We plan to roll out our new campaign this spring with our industry partners, inviting the world to visit Britain.

"Our aim is to get Britain on the radar of those who have never travelled here and also to reinvigorate our appeal in core markets such as the USA and near Europe."