The Hays Travel owner said the industry was “braced for a comeback”.

Hays said: “The phones are ringing now and the shops are ready to open on Monday.

“Numbers of bookings at the moment are nothing like normal of course, but where there are fantastic offers – such as the fabulous round-Britain cruises that are coming on stream at the minute – they’re being snapped up. 

“What’s different is that more people are using a travel agent so that they get the best advice and support if things change, and the majority of customers are making plans for booking for late 2021 and 2022, taking advantage of guarantees like our Peace of Mind Guarantee and insurance to cover all eventualities.  

“And we’ve just launched our own direct flights from regional airports to Barbardos for a Caribbean cruise in early 2023."

Hays has chartered direct flights to Barbados from Glasgow, Bournemouth, Belfast and Newcastle airports to take customers door-to-door for a cruise.

The cruises will depart in January and February 2023, and will be fully escorted by Hays staff.

“Our staff are really looking forward to being back in their branches and meeting customers again, albeit socially distanced," continued Hays.   

“We’ll also continue to meet virtually – whatever is best for them.  

“We will be monitoring the government advice closely and our staff are primed and ready to be first with the green light holidays for their customers.”

All Hays Travel’s shops in England and Wales will open from Monday, and those in Scotland and Northern Ireland will open when the relevant government guidance allows.