The body urged the government to instruct local authorities to prioritise businesses in the sector when it comes to allocating the fund. 

The alliance asked for the financial support, which was announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak in March 2021, to cover business rates since March 2020 through to March 2023.

Legislation that will enable the release of the support package is due to be completed by the House of Lords on Wednesday (8 December).

In a letter to housing secretary Michael Gove, the Tourism Alliance claimed that over the last two years the sector has suffered a decline in revenue of more than 70%.

Modelling undertaken by DCMS reportedly indicated that tourism revenue will take until "at least" the end of 2023 to recover due to ongoing travel restrictions.

"The decline in revenue over the past two years has particularly impacted online travel agencies, tour and coach operators, destination management companies, English language schools, and conference and event organisers," a spokesperson said.

"These businesses are also being significantly impacted by restrictions being imposed to prevent the spread of the new Omicron variant, which will further threaten their viability and delay their recovery."

Kurt Jansen, director of the Tourism Alliance, said the funding "could make a huge difference" to tourism businesses. "It is vital that these businesses get this help," he added.

"Ministers have previously said this money should be prioritised for the sectors who have been hit the hardest by the pandemic, as an industry that has suffered far more than most, travel should be a priority for this spending."