HOL LOT BETTER

Huge spike in bookings as rules relaxed. Brits make up for 2yrs of travel misery

- GRAHAM HISCOTT

FAMILIES are flocking to book holidays after the Government relaxed Covid test rules for fully jabbed travellers.

The chief executive of industry giant Jet2 said demand had already returned to around pre-pandemic levels, with many rushing to bag summer breaks in the sun.

Steve Heapy said the company had seen a huge spike” in booking after this week's announcement that pre-departure tests for fully vaccinated people would be ditched.

“People are desperate to get away, that's been demonstrated over the past couple of days, Mr Heapy said.

Other travel firms have also reported a rise in bookings. Tour giant TUI said customers had been given the “reassurance that travel will once again be easier and more affordable”.

EasyJet said it had seen a near 200% jump in UK bookings, with demand to some destinations up over 400% week on week.

The budget airline, which also sells holidays, said its research had showed that “holiday started” Britons planned to spend more money on holidays this year than ever before.

A third are aiming to splash out up to £1,000 or more than usual on their holiday this year, it said.

Nearly half are planning a holiday of a lifetime” this year to make up for what they have missed over the last two years.