Business development managers will begin visiting agents again, head of trade sales Richard Forde said.

“To continue to support our agent partners, I’m delighted to say that our four-strong team of BDMs will be back on the road next week; having followed the recent guidance to work from home, they’re itching to get their cars off their drives.”

Forde thanked trade partners for “not only delivering sales”, but also communicating safety messages directly with customers. 

“Travel agents are not only advising and assisting customers with securing a holiday but play a vital role in helping customers navigate the changes in testing requirements for the UK and their chosen destination. 

“That’s one of the many ways we see real added value in working with our travel agent partners in a post-pandemic world.” 

Newmarket is discounting all its 2022 and 2023 escorted tours by 10% until 28 February.

It said bookings to European destinations were now returning “strongly” with Croatia, Italy and Portugal accounting for 50% of sales to Europe in recent weeks. Previously, bookings had been stronger for long-haul tours. 

Forde added: “We’re really pleased to see demand coming back for European destinations such as Italy, which has contributed to 25% of bookings in the last week, and with our regional charter programme on sale to destinations such as Lake Garda, we anticipate this will continue.”

Italy was the most searched-for destination in the past week, he said. “Italy was a firm customer favourite pre-pandemic and with the recent relaxation of travel testing, customer confidence for travel in 2022 is definitely improving.”