Image: The sector is calling for 'immediate' reform

UKinbound has called on the government to make "immediate and significant cuts" to visa application processing times in order to encourage future tourism growth.

It comes as the organisation reveals the results of its first Business Barometer, a new quarterly survey carried out alongside Qa Research to gauge members' level of business.

According to the findings, UKinbound members fear that bookings and visitor numbers will decline due to the "prolonged and drawn out visa process" for overseas tourists.

UKinbound chief executive Mary Rance said: "Despite wanting to come to the UK, [tourists] are travelling to France, Germany and Italy where tourist visas are easier to obtain.

"These countries are reaping the rewards while our government sits back believing that the Olympic legacy alone will continue to grow visitor numbers. Unfortunately, they are misguided."

Details: www.ukinbound.org

Image: Oleg V. Ivanov/shutterstock.com