Lastminute.com aims to boost COVID vaccine uptake with holiday incentives

OTA is offering gift vouchers for people who book jabs with the NHS this month

Lastminute.com is to offer incentives to holidaymakers to boost uptake of Covid-19 vaccines.

The OTA is the first travel company to join a national effort led by government to increase the numbers of younger consumers getting the vaccination against the virus. Other companies which have also rolled out incentives include Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo, National Express and Asda.

It is offering customers over 18 a £30 gift voucher towards an overseas holiday when they book their first or second vaccination through the NHS website between August 20 and August 31. Customers must enter their vaccination reference number on lastminute.com to qualify for the voucher.

Lastminute.com will be promoting a dedicated website for the incentive via social media from the end of this week.

Andrea Bertoli, chief executive, lastminute.com Group, said: “We know this summer has been difficult for everyone, so we’re delighted to be partnering with the government’s young people’s vaccination scheme.

“Since the pandemic started we’ve committed to helping people travel safely, and the vaccination schemes have had a big impact on doing so – especially in the UK, which has been leading the way in the numbers of fully vaccinated people.”

The company is hoping the incentive might also boost customers to book ‘spontaneous’ late deals for this summer following the recent traffic light update by the government.

Nearly 70% of the UK population is now fully vaccinated against Covid.

Health and social care secretary Sajid Javid praised companies helping to boost the rollout and urged more young people to protect themselves from the virus by getting vaccinated.

He said: “It is fantastic to see more companies backing the vaccine rollout and joining the public as they do everything they can to continue protecting their loved ones, themselves, their community and this country.

“This truly is a national effort and we would not be where we are today without the support of the NHS, volunteers, businesses and the people of the UK themselves as we continue to build the wall of defence through every jab given.

“With over 84,000 lives already saved and 23 million infections prevented by the vaccines, get the jab as soon as possible and take advantage of these excellent offers – whether that’s for taxi rides, gym passes, or trips away with family and friends.”