“With half-term fast approaching, the government needs to give urgent clarity around its planned update to travel testing so that families can prepare, look forward to their holiday, and travel with confidence," said the OTA’s chief executive Simon Cooper.

It comes after On the Beach extended its free Covid-19 testing offer; fully vaccinated holidaymakers booking packages to Spain, Greece and Cyprus this month for travel through to the end of October 2022 will receive free tests with their bookings.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has repeatedly hinted at the government’s aim to replace the current Day 2 PCR test regime with cheaper lateral flow tests, although the industry and travellers continue to await details of the full policy. Both Shapps and the government have reiterated their hope of having the new system in place by October half-term, yet there still remains no firm commitment.

"For many heading abroad during half-term, this will be their first experience of travelling overseas in a long time and they may well feel unsure about what they need to do and what to expect," Cooper continued.

"It is only fair to them – and absolutely critical in terms of restoring longer term confidence in travel – that they are given clarity, and feel well-informed and able to plan for their holiday without unnecessary additional expense or stress."