It’s good news that our customers with self-catering bookings for just their own household can enjoy these from 12 April, and that we have a clear plan for the reopening of hotels and loosening of restrictions in the UK.

Demand is high as people crave the experiences they have been denied for so long.
 
Of course, it’s disappointing that we will have to wait until 12 April, after the Easter holiday period, for further updates on this.

That said, we’re seeing a boost in bookings, with the number of staycations booked over the last four weeks surpassing the number booked across the whole of 2019.

We also await the Budget with much anticipation, as it’s vital that the government starts to support the talented, dedicated people working in the travel industry much more than they have before.
 
There is a real and present need for trusted travel advice, whether this is for trips closer to home or overseas, and we are ensuring that our business owners have everything they need to offer their customers the confidence to book, and enjoy travel in the safest ways possible.

This challenging period has really proven that relationships count, and the value of the skills and experience provided by travel professionals who can be there for their customers, show limitless levels of care and offer much-needed reassurance and flexibility on bookings, as restrictions ease over the next few weeks and months.

Kirsten Hughes is managing director of Travel Counsellors.