Speculation is mounting that the government may finally be about to put Portugal on the list of countries Britons can visit without having to complete 14 days quarantine on their return to the UK.

Haslemere Travel owner Antrobus said Portugal should “never have been on the quarantine list in the first place” based on its Covid-19 numbers, during an appearance on Sky News.

“Portugal’s numbers have always been low – it should come back as a destination that’s safe to travel to,” added Antrobus.

“The Algarve is particularly popular in the months of September and October for people who don’t have children. It’s a great destination for that time of year.”

Antrobus added that it would be a “massive blow” to holidaymakers planning to go to Croatia in the coming weeks if the country is removed from the UK government’s travel corridor list later this week due to its rising rate of Covid-19 infections.

She also praised the industry for its “creativity” in trying to “keep clients happy” during the pandemic.

“The travel industry is one of the most flexible industries there is,” she said. “We’ve always had to think on the hoof with ash clouds, flight bans and strikes.

“As an industry, we’re really good at turning things around quickly. Traditionally we don’t sell staycations and UK holidays but we’ve been doing quite a bit of that recently because that’s what our clients have been asking for.

“There’s also the extra challenge when you are facing the change of regulations at very, very short notice.”