Red-listed Maldives is top seller for Blue Bay Travel

Operator reports surge in bookings to amber destinations

Blue Bay Travel has reported a “significant” surge in bookings to red and amber list destinations, with red-listed Maldives as the operator’s top-selling destination.

It compared the five-week periods before and after the government’s changes to the traffic light system in July.

Comparing bookings for June 10-July 15 to July 15-August 19, it has seen an 87% rise to amber destinations, attributing this to “the growth of consumer confidence”.

After July 15, announcement, the upcoming winter 2021-22 season accounted for 31% of red list bookings and 38% of amber list holidays.

Other popular long-haul destinations currently on the red list have also seen rises since July 15 – such as Tobago, up 616%.

Amber countries show a spike in bookings include Dubai (up 500%), St Lucia (up 277%), Thailand (up 255%) and Mauritius up 76%.

The next update to the traffic light system is expected on Wednesday or Thursday (August 25-26).

Alistair Rowland, group chief executive at Blue Bay Travel, said: “The surge in bookings has been significant, and we are witnessing a real appetite for holidaymakers aspiring for a luxurious break to destinations that are yet to be given the ‘green’ light.

“It is encouraging to see that customers are planning ahead and securing their holidays, demonstrating that consumer confidence to travel is improving with the progress on vaccinations and positive movements happening in core destinations.”