UKinbound believes several policies highlighted by Philip Hammond will benefit UK tourism directly and indirectly. UKinbound highlighted four key policies it believes will have an impact.

They include incentives to build affordable housing, which UKinbound says is a key factor in many EU employees working in tourism deciding to return home. Plans to improve transport in cities was also welcomed as an incentive to visit, while better digital connectivity in rural areas would enable businesses to market more effectively, UKinbound said.

The organisation also welcomed a pledge to consult on the abolition of APD and VAT on tourism businesses in Northern Ireland.

UKinbound chief executive Deirdre Wells said: “I am encouraged by the Spring Statement which included several policies that directly impact on the UK’s tourism industry.

“Affordable housing has also been highlighted by a number of our members as a reason their EU employees are starting to return home, so we are encouraged that the government is ‘getting on with the job’ of building more affordable homes, which should help encourage skilled EU workers, that our industry heavily relies on, to stay in the UK post Brexit.

“It is also encouraging that a review has been confirmed into the impact of APD and VAT on tourism in Northern Ireland. Along with our tourism partners, we will be calling on all those in the industry to submit evidence they have that demonstrates its negative impact.”