Holiday hotpots revealed as Scots rush to book after testing rules relaxed

HOLIDAYS are back on track for 2022, according to Barrhead Travel.

One week on from the announcement confirming the relaxation of travel testing, the travel giant says that there are signs confidence is returning to the market for this year’s hols.

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The Glasgow-based firm has reported an increased interest in 2022 bookings, including a growing demand for travel before the end of March – with one in five new bookings due to travel before then.

Since travel testing rules were relaxed, the agency says that holiday enquiries have grown by 165 per cent.

Top destinations booked at Barrhead include Tenerife, New York and Orlando – which have enjoyed growth of 222 per cent, 116 per cent and 64 per cent respectively this week.

The agency said that experiential travel and bucket list itineraries to destinations such as Lapland and Japan were also on the rise.

Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, said: “Travel is set to make a significant comeback in 2022 with restrictions continuing to ease across the world.

“People have dearly missed travelling over the last few years – whether that be for holidays, business or to reunite with loved ones.

“January is traditionally the most popular time of year to book a holiday and we’re already seeing much more confidence in the market than this time last year.

“Omicron caused some uncertainty during December but the relaxation on testing will go a long way to kickstart travel recovery.

“Our customers are telling us that they can’t wait for their holidays this year.

“One of the primary barriers was testing costs and we’re already noticing a difference in how the relaxation is boosting confidence.

“Summer 2022 is also selling very well as families are looking to secure deals while prices and added-value offers are still available for school holiday dates.”

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The demand for holidays in 2022 is echoed in a recent report by The Association of British Travel Agents, who found 61 per cent of people intend on holidaying abroad this year.

Ms Dobson said customers were also “making up for lost time” and choosing to upgrade their trips and added: “Holidaymakers are choosing to upgrade rooms, flights and hotels.”

Average holiday duration has also increased from seven nights to 14 nights as people maximise their annual leave.

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