US holiday bookings surge after Covid test requirement dropped

Ocean Holidays has seen a surge in US holiday bookings following the lifting of pre-departure Covid test requirements.

The tour operator reported a 25% increase in US bookings at the weekend (June 11-12) compared to the weekend before, with enquiries up 105% compared to the same weekend in 2019.

Co-chief executive and founder of Ocean Holidays Harry Hastings said: “British travellers have waited months for this moment – this is a huge boost for the travel industry. The final barrier has been lifted and all that pent-up demand is now being released.”

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MORE: US fares cut as industry welcomes lifting of pre-entry tests

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Visit USA Association has welcomed the removal of pre-departure Covid tests, which it hopes will boost the recovery of the UK to US travel industry.

Julie Greenhill, UK chair of the Visit USA Association, said: “This is the positive news that we and our membership has been campaigning for over the last few months.

“The decision to rescind the need for pre-departure testing will make a trip to the USA much more desirable and affordable for the UK consumer.

“The announcement will assist in the recovery of the UK to USA travel industry, and our tour operator and airline members are starting to see an uptick in confirmed bookings for the second half of this year and for 2023.”