Comparing booking data from its members, the group found that departures for this year’s Easter period are down by only 10%, compared to the same time in 2019.

Advantage’s top-five destinations for Easter include Tenerife, Costa Blanca, Lanzarote, Antalya and Costa Del Sol, which remain consistent and similar to those booked in 2019, with Spain and Turkey remaining firm favourites.

Leisure director Kelly Cookes said it was "really positive" to see Easter bookings nearing 2019 numbers. "We know that the pandemic has created pent-up demand for holidays and this, together with the easing of restrictions, is clearly helping to drive further confidence among consumers," she added.

According to Cookes, average transaction values are also higher for Easter compared to 2019 as consumers look to spend more on holidays this year. 

"Holidaymakers are definitely looking to make their next holiday that extra bit special this year, and whilst the rising cost of living is biting, spending on travel and holidays is so far proving resilient," she continued.

"We are actually seeing many consumers looking to trade up on their holidays, to make up for not travelling overseas for the last two years."

However, Cookes warned of a possible squeeze on availability as capacity fills in the build-up to the summer months.

"We would encourage holidaymakers to book soon and take advantage of the good deals, guaranteed fares and discounts currently available in the market," she continued.   

"Whist the cost of living is rising, it is unlikely that this will have an impact on travel and holidays until next year, as the airlines and tour operators will have already hedged their fuel costs and contracted hotels for this year."