New research from VisitEngland has found that more than a quarter of tourism businesses have welcomed the 'positive effect' of April's Royal Wedding and double bank holiday.

According to the agency's Business Confidence Monitor, the majority of operators polled said they had attracted the same or an increased number of visitors during the Easter period.

The research also found that 86 per cent of businesses are confident about the remainder of spring and the summer period, with 39 per cent receiving more forward bookings.

VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: "The double bank holiday and royal wedding have kick-started the holiday season and proved that the trend to holiday at home is here for the long-term.

"With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Diamond Jubilee, and the Cultural Olympiad around the corner, we are entering into a very exciting time for tourism in this country."

Image: Aurelien Guichard