EasyJet reported an immediate spike in bookings to popular French ski destinations for the remainder of the winter season after France lifted its ban on Brits.
On Thursday (January 13), the French government confirmed it will ease strict restrictions on UK travellers from Friday.
EasyJet said in a statement on Friday: “In the hours following yesterday’s announcement…easyJet saw a 600% lift in UK bookings to popular French ski destinations.
“Last-minute bookings to Switzerland also saw a peak immediately after the news broke with a 386% increase in flight bookings, suggesting consumer confidence in international travel continues to build.”
EasyJet claims it is offering more seats to Europe’s major ski destinations from the UK this winter than any other carrier.
It is operating 37 routes this winter from the UK to 10 destinations across Europe including Lyon, Geneva and Grenoble, which serve the continent’s major ski resorts.
More: Ski specialists ‘delighted’ with easing of French restrictions
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “With France welcoming British tourists once again, skiing is well and truly back on.
“This is welcome news for UK consumers, particularly for those looking to book a last-minute family break or planning to head to the slopes, with low fares still available across thousands of flights to France this winter, including over half-term.
“We know that there is pent-up demand with many desperate to get away this year, which we continue to see each time restrictions are removed.
“With flying already scheduled to increase in the coming weeks we will continue to review our schedule to meet demand and we look forward to taking our customers away on a long-awaited break this winter.”
Elsewhere, a new poll by research platform Opinium, commissioned by travel insurer battleface, revealed that 12% of respondents will now be planning a summer holiday to France.
Cnducted on January 13, it asked 2,000 people “if France opens its borders as expected, what impact would this have on their holiday decisions?”.
It found 12% said they would book a summer holiday to France and 6% replied they would book a holiday to France in the next six months.