Three-quarters of the operator’s bookings were taken for departure in the next three months.

Overall, Australia increased its share of sales by 10% compared to the same day last week, with Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns proving to be the most in-demand cities.

With Western Australia retaining its zero-Covid strategy, the focus has been on New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Gold Medal’s interim sales and marketing director, Nick Hughes, said the Australian government’s decision to reopen its border was "the one we’ve been waiting for", and Monday’s news (7 February) "sparked a real flurry of bookings" for the destination.

"We’re now working overtime to help agents convert the enquiries they’re receiving into bookings," he added.

"Although the news was positive, there are still some grey areas – for example, around entry guidelines for teens and children – but we’ll be here to support agents in navigating those when they’re clarified, as we have throughout the pandemic."