JAB IS KEY TO HOLS SURGE

Spain and other EU countries have announced they will be open for business from next month – but what will help Brits have the confidence to travel again?

More than eight out of 10 people in a survey of 7,000 told specialist travel insurance firm AllClear Travel a vaccine is the most important ‘key’ to unlocking the travel market.

While nine in 10 wanted to travel this year before the pandemic, almost a third remain hopeful they will still manage to jet off this year.

In terms of where people intend to travel, a sixth said they would stick to their usual destination of choice, while a third of those questioned hoped to return to Spain and Portugal.

That’s good news as Spanish PM, Pedro Sanchez, has just announced the removal of quarantine restrictions from July 1.

Cruising has grown in popularity in recent years but more than 90% said their next holiday would not be aboard a liner.

The young are the most optimistic about venturing overseas in the near future. Twice as many 18 to 49-year-olds believe they will be travelling overseas as early as July, compared to people over 70.

Despite holiday plans for this year being considerably impacted, the potential for market growth next year is encouraging as most say they will travel next year instead.

While two out of three people felt their next holiday would involve a flight, a third would feel more confident about flying if social distancing could be achieved on the aircraft.

Similar numbers suggested some form of testing by airlines would further help reassure them.

Chris Rolland, chief at AllClear Travel, said: There is clearly work to do at the airports and by the airlines to provide an environment where people will readily take to the skies once more.”