Croft told an Elman Wall seminar on Tuesday (2 June) quarantine would have a "massive impact" on both outbound and inbound tourism, with some inbound businesses unlikely to be able to make enough money during the lucrative summer months to survive the winter.

Reflecting on the government’s quarantine measures, which are due to come into force on Monday (8 June), Croft said just as European countries were beginning to open up and soften or remove their travel restrictions, the UK was "putting up the barriers".

Croft said while UKinbound had noticed a "definite uptick in domestic", people looking for rural retreats, beach trips and cottage breaks, the UK’s domestic-led recovery wouldn’t be realised in many of its international markets "for several months".

He also said Britain’s reputation for being "open, tolerant and welcoming" had been damaged by its response to the coronavirus crisis, and its decision to leave the EU. "The reputation of brand Britain has taken a real knock," said Croft.

Croft added with the recovery of the country’s tourism industry likely to take a domestic focus this summer, it was vital businesses had the right government support and guidance to be ready to operate in July.