A number of tourism leaders have called for more emphasis to be placed on improving the domestic tourism market.

The calls come as further data on the effects of the terrorist attacks on London in July is being made available.

Speaking at the National Conference of Visitor Attractions (VAC2005), tourism minister James Purnell said: “Looking at government figures, it seems clear now that it is the domestic market which is showing the slowest signs of recovery following the attacks,”

“The inbound foreign visitor figures are returning to pre-July levels, but families living outside London are the most reluctant to return to London for day visits and short breaks.”

While the recovery in inbound visitor figures was universally welcomed by delegates at VAC2005, a panel debate – which included Tourism Alliance chair Brigid Simmonds and former culture minister Chris Smith – concluded that in order for the government to hit its target of making tourism a £100bn-a-year industry by 2010, regional tourism should not be allowed to be left at its own devices.

Currently, the UK’s tourism deficit – according to government figures – is around £17bn, with little signs of the figure reducing.