England saw domestic business trips increase by 14 per cent in 2011, while business spend was up 21 per cent, according to VisitEngland’s tourism figures.

The tourist board’s GB Tourism Survey showed that for January to December 2011, the annual increase in business visits were ahead of visiting friends and relatives (10 per cent increase) and holidays (7 per cent increase). The statistics come on the back of last month’s inbound international business travel figures which showed a growth of 6 per cent over 2010.

Michael Hirst chairman of the Business Visits & Events Partnership (BVEP), said: “Yet again business travel has shown that it leads the way in the economic recovery within Britain. Many of these business visits are to conferences, exhibitions and special events where British products and services are on show and at meetings where scientific, medical and technological advancements are being developed".

“The British business events sector is proving once again the enormous value it makes to the visitor economy, trade, exports, enterprise, the knowledge economy, culture and the well-being of local communities.”

Pictured: Michael Hirst