UKinbound has revealed it is aiming to double its membership to more than 500 businesses and companies by 2014 in a bid to provide greater support to the tourism industry.

The inbound tourism trade association said it had an "aggressive" strategy in place in order to achieve its expansion aims, which will focus on growing regional membership.

Scotland, Yorkshire, the North West and the South East are among the areas will be targeted first, before UKinbound looks at additional "tactical geographic" regions.

UKinbound will also focus on "untapped" sectors including retail, while extending its reach throughout the accommodation and inbound tour operator sectors.

Mary Rance, chief executive of UKinbound, said: "As the authoritative voice of the UK inbound tourism industry, we look forward to uniting even more members, who need a cohesive body to lobby the issues on their behalf.

"We are dedicated to reducing the many barriers that tourists face when they wish to travel to the UK and voicing the concerns of members and partners whose businesses are adversely affected by such barriers."

Philip Britton has been named as UKinbound's new business development manager and will oversee the expansion of the organisation.

Image: Britain on View