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The Association of Independent Tour Operators (Aito) has warned of the potential effects of removing the visa waiver agreement that exists between Britain and 11 non-European countries.

A Home Office study claims to have found a 'strong case' for introducing visa regimes for 11 countries – Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Swaziland and Venezuela.

The government stressed that it was important to impose visa requirements on visitors from a number of countries in order to protect the UK.

Eight of these countries are part of the Commonwealth and rely heavily on British tourism. There are concerns that some could impose reciprocal measures and make it necessary for people from the UK to obtain a visa before visiting.

A statement from Aito, seen by TravelMole, said: 'The real people to lose out are the locals who make a living from tourism as visitor numbers will inevitably fall.

'With increasing oil prices, uncertain interest rates and rising inflation all contributing to make trading for tour operators difficult, it would seem that any additional external factors will only exacerbate the situation and make people less likely to travel.'

UKinbound, which represents a number of companies that rely on overseas visitors to Britain, said that the Home Office made its decision on visa arrangements without consulting the tourism industry.

It also accused the government of wanting to appear tough on immigration at the expense of maintaining international trading links.

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