Head of product Zoe Towers told the Jet2holidays conference in the Algarve the operator currently has more than 2,000 two- and three-star properties on sale, approximately 45% of its total portfolio.

However, she said chief executive Steve Heapy was pushing for more. "Steve is challenging our teams to go out and find more two- and three-star to make sure we have a really strong value range," said Towers.

Towers revealed Jet2holidays is currently selling eight of the 10 destinations making the Post Office Holiday Money Report’s best value list, with destinations stretching across Jet2’s portfolio, including Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach where Towers said Jet2 would be offering new product shortly.

She set the scene by running through the key challenges facing consumers – interest rates, inflation, energy price hikes and the threat of the longest recession the UK has ever seen.

However, she stressed holidays were resilient to cost of living pressures. "The last thing people will sacrifice is their holidays," Towers told delegates. "They don’t want to get rid of their holidays."

Beyond value, Towers told delegates Jet2holidays now offered nearly 300 four- and five-star hotels across its Luxe Collection range, in addition to higher star product sold through its Indulgent Escapes and Vibe brands.

Towers repeatedly emphasised Jet2 inclusions such as low deposits, checked baggage, solo discounts and particularly free child places, seven million of which are currently available.

Heapy later revealed Jet2 was preparing to relaunch its resort flight check-in service. "We will be bringing that back," he said. "We hope to have some available for next summer. I can’t say which destinations, but we will see a return. It’s a great product."

Towers said Jet2holidays was now reserving certain flights exclusively for package holiday customers. "We are reserving the best flights, the best days of the week just for package holiday customers," she said, adding this would ensure these go to agents’ clients rather than OTAs and seat-only customers.

"This is one way to reward our customers and make sure they get the best flights," she added.

One key product development Towers shared with delegates was the launch of Express Transfers, allowing agents to reassure their clients they will get priority pick-up and drop-off in-resort.

Towers said Express Transfers would initially be available next summer for 80-100 hotels across all Med destinations.