HOLIDAY bookings have surged since the government relaxed the testing rules for travellers.
It is expected travel will be almost back to normal by the end of spring.
Boris Johnson yesterday announced that pre-departure Covid tests will be scrapped from 4am tomorrow.
Then from 4am on January 9, day two tests can be swapped from expensive PCR tests to cheaper lateral flow tests for vaccinated travellers – who won’t need to isolate while they wait for their results.
The ease of testing rules will save Brits hundreds of pounds on their holidays, with the £22 pre-departure test scrapped, and lateral flow tests costing around £60 less than PCRs.
The announcement has prompted a surge in people booking holidays – which many Brits have been reluctant to do amid travel uncertainty.
Derek Jones, the CEO of Kuoni’s parent company Der Touristik UK, has predicted travel will be “90 per cent back before the end of spring”, according to The Independent.
Travel bosses are thrilled with the government’s decision to remove all emergency testing restrictions for fully-vaccinated people.
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “This is a hugely welcome move at a critical time in the booking season for passengers, and will provide a massive boost to those wanting to travel abroad or come to the UK this year.
“People will now be able to book knowing that – for the fully-vaccinated – all emergency testing restrictions have been removed.
Foreign holiday prices have plummeted in recent weeks due to travel uncertainty caused by Omicron.
Brits can take advantage of the bargains available and start looking forward to a summer holiday.
On The Beach is offering savings of up to 40 per cent on a selection of package holidays in summer 2022, all of which will benefit from free fast track at airport security.
Travellers who book four or five-star holidays will also receive free access to an airport lounge.
However, it’s not all good news for holidaymakers as some countries are increasing travel rules for Brits.
Cyprus now required negative Covid tests from all arrivals, even if fully vaccinated, and Hong Kong will ban all UK flights from Saturday.
We’ve rounded up the Covid travel restrictions for popular holiday destinations.
