The homeworking giant said the trend was repeated across its European markets, with staycations "high on the agenda" for clients, particularly UK coast and countryside retreats.

UK managing director and chief commercial officer Kirsten Hughes said the feedback also revealed trips to visit family and friends would be "all-important", as would capitalising on an anticipated increase in group bookings when practically possible as people seek to "relish the chance to spend time together again".

Meanwhile, 70% of respondents to a Travel Counsellors survey said they had "high hopes" of taking an overseas holiday next year, while 90% said they "felt positive" about the prospect of being able to travel during 2021.

Bookings for 2021 now represent more than two-thirds of the group’s current transactions.

“A steady, if small, continuous increase in bookings not only indicates green shoots of recovery, but is thanks to the relationships our business owners build with their customers," said Hughes, who stressed travel agents and advisors would play an important role in providing clients trusted advice and expertise amid the ongoing travel restrictions arising from coronavirus.

The survey also found 70% of respondents sought "peace of mind" when making travel plans in the current climate; new TC bookings will carry the company’s "flexible promise" which allows free amendments to trips up to eight weeks before departure on selected packages, and is applicable to new bookings for next year.

Hughes added: "The value of a trusted travel adviser is being proved time and again throughout this crisis, as customers seek the peace of mind and reassurance that comes from being able to rely on human, professional and reliable experts at this time, who will always be there for them, both now and when the world is open for travel again.”