The Midcounties Co-operative has spoken of the positivity flowing through travel following the easing of travel restrictions.

The agency group claimed net sales have more than doubled in recent days with its homeworking brand, The Personal Travel Agents, up 153%.

Half of the bookings were for summer holidays, and a third for imminent winter departures, it said.  

“It’s wonderful to see the positivity generated by last week’s announcement translating into really strong sales for our business,” a spokesperson said.

“The significant change to the travel rules from our own government last week, coupled with the news that holiday hotspots such France are easing entry requirements for Brits, has inspired confidence in our members and customers and given bookings a welcome boost. 

“The France news has triggered a raft of super late bookings for ski as members and customers hit the slopes for the remainder of the season.”

The agency said demand is strongest for late May departures as customers take advantage of the two extra bank holidays for the Queen’s Jubilee and the school half-term break.

The biggest-selling destinations are the Canaries and the Balearics, Turkey, Greece and Croatia, for this summer, and the Canaries, Sri Lanka, New York and Barbados for winter ‘22/23.