Travel Counsellors has begun working with hotel partners to identify those resorts where customers can still have enjoyable holidays if they test positive for COVID while abroad.

Hotels that provide facilities and services for guests with the virus have been certified as ‘Assured Partners’.

To be certified, hotels must:

• Allow guests to isolate in the comfort of their rooms/villas with family and friends;

• Provide a full dining programme by room service;

• Provide in-room entertainment;

• Offer a cost-free extended stay at the hotel until the end of the isolation period

So far, Travel Counsellors has only seven Assured Partner hotels, all in long-haul destinations, but it said it is planning to roll out the programme to ‘many more’ locations, including countries closer to home.

Managing Director Kirsten Hughes said: “Customers want the guidance and reassurance when it comes to navigating travel, including all-important questions around catching COVID-19 whilst on holiday with the varying guidance and restrictions in place.

“We have been working closely with our supplier partners to launch our ‘Assured’ campaign, highlighting the properties and resorts who have focused on ensuring customers can still enjoy their holiday should this happen.”

Destinations featured in the Assured programme include Maldives, Mexico, St Lucia, the Canary Islands, Grenada and Dominican Republic.