Greece has overtaken Spain as the most popular destination for summer 2021 among Travel Counsellors clients.

The company’s latest statistics show that 16% of all new holiday bookings in the seven days commencing 26 July were for Greek destinations, slightly higher than the 15% of bookings to Spain. The percentage of bookings for UK staycations was also at 15%.

Greece and Spain are also top of the destinations being booked for summer 2022, along with the US. For winter 2021/22, the US, the Maldives and Barbados are the top sellers.

UK Managing Director Kirsten Hughes said the company has just recorded its second-highest trading week since the start of the pandemic.

She described the latest traffic light update as ‘a positive step forward, as the green list increases and there are more countries turning to amber from red’.

But she added: “However, people still need to ensure they are aware of the FCDO advice on entry requirements, as we await the UAE to align with the latest traffic light news, for example.”

Ms Hughes also warned there could be a ‘potential capacity issue for summer 2022’ because holidaymakers are booking next year’s breaks now, instead of in early January.