Half of customers say they are more likely to go and book an overseas holiday as a direct result of the relaxation of travel restrictions, according to research conducted by Jet2holidays.

When asked: “What direct impact has this announcement had on your likelihood to book an overseas holiday?” 47% of respondents answered that they will now book because travel restrictions have relaxed.

In addition, a weekly tracker of customer confidence about travel has revealed a jump in confidence following the relaxation of restrictions.

Over half (56%) of respondents say they feel confident about travelling – the highest this figure has been since October 2021. It also represents a jump of more than 10 percentage points from two weeks ago, when the figure stood at 44%.

Sales data shows that this increased confidence has translated into bookings.

Following the Government’s announcement, Jet2holidays saw bookings jump by 150%.

This shows demand returning to pre-pandemic levels, with no sign of this slowing down during what is traditionally a very popular time for booking holidays.

Customers are booking via independent travel agents to popular sun and leisure city destinations such as Greece, Turkey, Mainland Spain, the Canaries, the Balearic Islands, Malta and Portugal.

In response to this increased demand, Jet2holidays has launched a flash sale giving customers £50 off per person on all holidays for Winter 21/22, Summer 22, Winter 22/23, and Summer 23 if they book through an independent travel agent.

All bookings must be made by midnight on 7 February 2022 for the promotion to apply.

Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy said: “January is traditionally a very important month for getting that much-needed holiday booked in, so this return in customer confidence comes at the right time for the travel industry and for our independent travel agency partners.

“After so much uncertainty, the relaxation of travel restrictions has unleashed the pent-up demand from customers.

“It is clear that the removal of unnecessary and unwelcome restrictions is exactly what customers wanted.”