New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal UK GDP, gross domestic product, grew by 0.1% in February.

The ONS cited renewed travel and tourist activity as one of the key factors behind the latest increase, following growth of 0.8% in February.

The organisation highlighted travel agents, in particular, for their contribution to renewed growth in "services".

"Services grew by 0.2% and was the main contributor to February’s growth in GDP," said the ONS.

"The services growth in February 2022 was mainly driven by tourism-related industries with increases in both travel agency, tour operator and other reservation service and related activities."

This business grew by 33% month-on-month from January into February said the ONS, with accommodation sales up by 23% month-on-month.

The ONS said the reduction in Covid-19 restrictions was having a "positive effect" on the tourism industry, driving "widespread positive growth".

Economic output from all consumer-facing services, such as travel agents, grew by 0.7% in February, which follows 2% growth in January.

Darren Morgan, ONS director of economic statistics, said: "The economy was little changed in February with the easing of restrictions for overseas travel – and increased confidence in booking holidays in the UK – triggering strong growth in travel agencies, tour operators and hotels."