TRAVEL COMPANIES PRAYING

TRAVEL firms are ready for a surge in bookings as hopes rise foreign holidays will resume on May 17.

Thomas Cook boss Alan French said: “The nation is ready and waiting to hear when it’s safe to travel again so we can have something to look forward to and get a date in our diaries.”

Virgin Atlantic is already seeing a wave of summer bookings to Disney World in Florida.

A spokeswoman said: “We know there is pent-up demand for travel. We’re seeing an increase in bookings to Barbados, and Israel – with its short flight time and small time difference – is popular.”

It is hoped Brits will be able to return to Spain from next month or June, providing they have been vaccinated or registered a negative coronavirus test before travelling.

Optimism

Travel to other hotspots with high vaccination rates and low Covid-19 infections – such as the islands of Greece and Portugal – could also be possible.

Turkey has lifted the suspension of direct flights from the UK ahead of the Government releasing details of its traffic light system for overseas travel. The renewed optimism comes amid predictions Brits will spend more than £23billion on holidays, eating out and other treats this year.

Seven in ten are planning on dining and drinking out, spending an average of £163 each over the next six months, says American Express.

Windsor also looks set to enjoy a tourism boom in the wake of the massive TV audience for Prince Philip’s funeral. Officials say the ceremony, which was watched by millions of people worldwide, has boosted the