Over-50s shot in the arm for travel industry great deals

BUS BOOST National Express

TRAVEL firms decimated by Covid say the rollout of vaccinations has triggered a jump in holiday bookings – especially among over-50s.

National Express says its coach holiday business is up by 185% for spring and summer, with growing confidence from the “grey pound”.

Jit Desai, its head of holidays and travel, said: “Some are telling us they’ve already had their jab and can’t wait to go on holiday once guidance allows again.”

Half of web bookings at TUI, the UK’S largest tour operator, are currently by over-50s and Andrew Flintham, managing director, said: “Many Brits want to get away for longer this year.. to make up for not having a holiday in 2020.”

Jason Edwards, managing director of South Wales-based Edwards Coaches, said: “One day last week we took more money than we had in the last nine months.”

However, budget airline Norwegian axed its long-haul network yesterday, leading to the loss of 1,100 pilot and cabin crew jobs based at Gatwick Airport.

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1

Turkey from £379pp: one week all-inclusive at the four-star Grand Yazici Club Turban Thermal Hotel in Marmaris. Depart Gatwick on May 7. Book at thomascook.com

2

Barbados from £679pp: one week B&B at the four-star South Beach hotel.depart

Heathrow on dates in May, June or July. Book at ba.com/southbeach

3

Malta from £221pp: One week room-only at the four-star Pergola Hotel and Spa in Mellieha. Depart Liverpool on May 11. Book at loveholidays.com

4

Crete from £495pp: one week all-inc at five-star Mr & Mrs White in Chania. Depart Gatwick on Sept 28. Code RETURN50.

Book at olympicholidays.com

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Dubai from £339pp: three nights room-only at the fourstar Hilton Garden Inn. Depart Heathrow on dates in June. Book by February 2 ba.com/sale

Prices correct at time of publication