It is the first tourism sector deal of its kind and will also deliver 10,000 new apprenticeships in the sector per year as it prepares for an extra nine million visits per year.

More than 75% of the additional hotel rooms will be added outside of London, while a strategy to grow the number of business events and conferences will also be implemented.

A statement from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the deal, which forms part of the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, would help reaffirm “the UK’s global role as a key player in the industry”.

The deal will also revolutionise the way data is used by the sector – including spend and trends analysis – and increase the UK’s accessibility for disabled visitors.

“I am pleased to announce the UK’s first ever tourism sector deal, ensuring that we continue to innovate, boost connectivity and economic productivity, expand career pathways and breakdown barriers for visitors with disabilities,” says Prime Minister Theresa May.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright adds: “We are dedicated to supporting life-long careers for those that work in tourism, offering insightful data to help grow businesses and ultimately creating a better visitor experience throughout the UK.”

In 2018, business visits made up more than a fifth of all international visits to the UK, accounting for 8.4 million trips – with delegates spending £4.5 billion whilst here.