The trade-only operator reported travel bookings to Asia doubling in volume in the first week of April compared to previous weeks in 2022. Holiday bookings to Thailand with Gold Medal returned to 80% of 2019 levels in March, while bookings to Malaysia and Indonesia have already exceeded pre-pandemic levels compared to April 2019.

The tour operator has also noted the average booking value for travel to Asia has doubled this year, citing a significant rise in package bookings, and travellers opting for longer stays. The most popular locations for a holiday include Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.

Bookings to Thailand surged following the removal of the requirement for pre-departure testing at the beginning of the month. Gold Medal also attributes the uptick in demand to the popularity of its new multi-centre Thailand More for Less package featuring Phuket, Khao Sok and Krabi.

“I’m delighted that consumer confidence for Asia is returning, and that we’re seeing such rapid growth in our Asia business, as historically we’ve had such strength in the region,” said Gold Medal’s managing director Simon Applebaum.

“The success of our More for Less offer means that agents should expect more, unmissable Gold Medal offers in the coming weeks and months. Our shared ownership with Destination Asia, as part of the dnata Travel Group, makes us uniquely positioned to deliver incredible experiences in-resort for travellers as the demand for more extensive travel packages continues to increase.”

He added: “With more destinations opening up across Asia, and the relaxing of pre-travel and in-destination requirements, we only see our Asia product continuing to grow from strength to strength.

"Our first Pure Luxury Thailand fam trip of 2022 is set to leave in the next few weeks for an incredible experience in Thailand, plus we have destination specialists delivering training to our agent partners, as we aim to rebuild confidence in selling this popular destination.”