The decision to scrap pre-departure tests has clearly boosted the number of bookings and enquiries made last week (w/c 3 January), including on “Sunshine Saturday”, according to Travel Counsellors.

The independent travel company saw booking figures returning to pre-pandemic levels and an increase of 213 per cent compared to the week before.

In terms of new enquiries, Travel Counsellors also experienced its highest week since the start of the pandemic and a 236 per cent increase compared to the previous week (w/c 27 December 2021).

Customers are particularly looking for immediate travel (27 per cent), followed by trips in summer (20 per cent) and Easter (13 per cent). The UAE, the USA, the Maldives and Spain are the most popular destinations for those looking for a sunny break in January and February, with 74 per cent of bookings being for premium leisure and tailor-made holidays. 

The US is one of the most popular holiday destinations outright for Brits, with a quarter of all Easter enquiries being for the USA; and the USA, Greece and Spain currently accounting for over 50 per cent of all summer holiday enquiries.

A recent survey of Travel Counsellors' leisure clients showed that over 50 per cent of responders plan to take two or more international holidays this year. Kirsten Hughes, UK managing director, Travel Counsellors said: “Last week's positive trading figures were clearly boosted by the announcement of the scrapping of pre-departure tests. This decision definitely installed more consumer confidence and encouraged people to book that long awaited holiday, which translated into bookings returning to pre-pandemic levels. 'Sunshine Saturday' has undoubtedly made a comeback this year.”

Travel Counsellors has almost 1,500 experts across the UK who offer support, local expertise and reassurance from 'inspiration to destination'. Throughout the pandemic, Travel Counsellors has maintained a 5-star Trustpilot rating and have three-times been voted 'number one' in MoneySavingExpert's consumer poll, which ranks how well travel companies are looking after their customers during Covid-19.