Travellers rebook after rules change

Hays Travel holidaymakers are choosing to rebook trips rather than cancel their plans, following the change in quarantine rules for Spain.

This week, the UK Government confirmed that travellers returning to Britain from Spain will once again have to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

But despite the rule change, Hays Travel has confirmed that the majority of its customers are choosing to rebook their holidays for another destination or later date.

The travel agent said more than 3,000 of its staff sprang into action to help customers in Spain or due to travel there imminently, following the quarantine announcement on Saturday.

Hays Travel confirmed it is continuing to contact tens of thousands of clients due to travel to Spain imminently to let them know their rebooking or refund options.

Advice to customers currently depends on what the tour operator has arranged.

TUI has cancelled holidays to Spain until August 9, while Jet2 has cancelled flights up to August 17. But according to Hays Travel, the majority of people who are already on holiday are staying until their departure date and will be flying home on the due date. In terms of refunds, if the holiday is cancelled by the tour operator, customers are entitled to a refund, but as all tour operators are different, they should check the booking terms and conditions carefully.

A Hays Travel spokeswoman said: "The vast majority of people are opting to rebook rather than take a refund.”