A surge in demand for holidays abroad over Christmas has emerged since the government’s ‘rule of six’ restrictions were announced last week.
The spike in bookings has been driven by the Canaries, despite the Spanish islands being on the UK Covid-19 quarantine list, according to Teletext Holidays.
The company reported a 26% increase in average party size, with more multi-generational family parties as people decide to travel abroad for Christmas week.
Data relating to bookings taken during the second week in September for the Christmas period – a claimed 97% week-on-week rise – also shows winter sun demand for Egypt, Malta and Dubai.
Teletext Holidays managing director Wayne Perks (pictured) said: “Looking at the booking data, we can see a definite trend of people gearing up for a big family Christmas in the sun, with several generations planning to travel abroad together, since the rule of six was announced.
He added: “We are surprised by the surge in bookings which came since the announcement, and despite current FCO advice, people are obviously hoping that more travel corridors will soon open, and in particular there seems to be a real appetite for people to spend some quality time with their extended family, whilst enjoying the warmer weather.”