Visit Britain acting chief executive Patricia Yates told MPs on Wednesday (19 May) the extra day off would help extend the domestic holiday season.

Addressing the government’s digital, culture, media and sports committee, Yates hailed government’s engagement with the domestic tourism sector.

She added the idea of an October bank holiday to boost the sector was also under consideration. "This would help extend the domestic season," she said.

Downing Street said it would respond to Visit Britain’s proposal "in due course", while adding extra bank holidays "come with economic costs".

Her call came after UKinbound chief Joss Croft told a TTG Face To Face interview he could envisage domestic tourism resuming in July, albeit subject to new health, safety and sanitation requirements.

"I think domestic will be quite strong, which has got to be a great thing," he said. "There are so many fantastic parts of the UK even British people aren’t aware of. But it’s going to be a very short summer. Longer term, getting people to experience what’s out there this summer will bode well for next year as well."

However, he added a strong summer, fuelled by increased domestic demand, wouldn’t necessarily be the silver bullet the UK’s travel and tourism sector is seeking, warning the government’s proposed 14-day quarantine on arrival measures had essentially "turned off the tap" on inbound tourism demand.