Travel agency, tour operator and other reservation services and related activities increased by 11% compared with April.

The ONS said the industry was “the largest positive contributor” in a sector that includes rail transport, gambling, eating out and sports and recreation.

“Anecdotal evidence received from the Monthly Business Survey for Services suggested increased confidence in holiday booking following the end of Covid restrictions," said the ONS.

Overall, consumer-facing services as a whole saw a fall in demand.

The ONS said: “The monthly fall in consumer-facing services was driven by a contraction of 5.3% in sports activities and amusement and recreation activities.

"Elsewhere, retail trade also contributed negatively to consumer-facing services, falling by 0.5% in May 2022.

"This was partially offset by growth in travel agency, tour operator and other reservation services and related activities, the largest positive contributor in consumer-facing services, which increased by 11%."

The ONS said monthly gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.5% in May following a fall of 0.2% in April.

Monthly GDP is now estimated to be 1.7% above its pre-pandemic levels when measured against February 2020.