Kuoni has created a concierge service team for late bookings after seeing demand rise of the back of positive news about vaccines.
The operator has appointed dedicated specialists to look after customers wanting to travel within eight weeks of their initial enquiry.
It said taking an overseas holiday at short notice is “a trend taking off as people who have gone without a holiday for over a year become desperate to swap dark nights and cold climates for white sand and warm oceans”.
Kuoni said international trips to travel corridor destinations are feasible, but said getting away “needs clear advice” about things like Covid tests, insurance, paperwork and availability so people are able to travel safely and smoothly.
Destinations it reported as in demand for late travel include the Maldives and the Seychelles as well as the Caribbean islands of Antigua, Saint Lucia and Barbados.
Kuoni said its new team will enable it to be “more agile”, with access to last-minute availability and offers. It will work alongside the existing sales team.
Chief executive Derek Jones said: “In a normal year, most of our holidays are booked further in advance but we’re operating in a very different market now so we need to be ready to respond.
“We have two types of customers at the moment – those who want to plan ahead to travel later next year or even the year after – and those who want to talk to us about getting away much sooner. They will look at the travel corridors, are prepared to pay for tests and do whatever it takes to get away.
“We’re expecting that the late travel market over the winter months is going to get much busier – so this is about helping customers through the maze. Travel isn’t as simple and booking, packing and off you go. There are a few hoops to jump through – but it’s our job to make it simple for people and that’s what our new team is in place to do.”