EW research from Tourism South East shows that tourism in Winchester has grown by at least 22 per cent since 2008.

Visitors are spending more per visit, although their stays are shorter, in line with international tourism trends.

According to the Economic Impact of Tourism study commissioned by the city council 2012 was the strong-est year yet for tourism in the city.

The number of visits is now over 4.9m as opposed to almost 4m in 2008 and 4.2m in 2010.

This jump in the last two years has added an additional £172m to the local economy between 2010-12 and the next survey, due to be carried out in 2014, is expected to show the total exceed 5m visitors.

Although people are staying for less time – 2.41 nights in 2012 as opposed to 2.55 nights in 2010, they are spending 13.6 per cent more per trip.

The impact on businesses across the district is estimated to be a six per cent increase in turnover since 2010 – raising the value of the industry locally up to £308m compared £292m in 2010.

Ellen Simpson, head of tourism at the council said: “Our aim over the last six years has been to create measurable and sustainable growth in the sector in a way that both enhances the visitor experience and also creates a positive impact on the bottom line of local businesses. Looking at these figures we’re still on track – and the work does not stop, we’re building a new responsive website and will be developing sophisticated apps to help us to keep evolving.”

Robert Humby, deputy council leader, said: “The council invests over £370,000 in tourism annually and we are delighted to see a return on investment that continues to build real results on the ground.”