The association said the figure was double the amount picked up during last year’s initiative. Abta also recorded an increase in volunteers, with nearly 2,000 taking part across 125 beach cleans organised throughout 23 countries.

Further beach cleans have also been planned for this month and September, Abta said.

Travel businesses that still wish to pledge their support can sign up to take part in a beach clean online, while those that have already done their bit can post experiences and pictures on social media using #MHG2016.

Director of destinations and sustainability Nikki White said: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s Make Holidays Greener month. It is fantastic to see so many people taking part in a beach clean and showing that they care about their environment. Cleaner, greener beaches are good for tourism, and our industry is uniquely placed to make a difference to coastal regions and beaches globally.”