Travel bookings continue to surge after the government’s latest easing of testing rules, while the Welsh government has finally lifted its advice not to go on overseas holidays for the first time in nearly two years.

Away from travel, Wednesday’s front pages are dominated by the fate of prime minister Boris Johnson after police announced an investigation into “partygate”.

Here are the headlines the travel industry woke up to on Wednesday (26 January).

Only double-jabbed Britons will be allowed into Spain, ruling out most children

Families face half-term holiday “chaos” with Spain not permitting entry to children who have only had one Covid-19 jab, even if they have had the virus. Spain classes the UK as a “high-risk” country, meaning up to 2.5 million British children, aged 12 to 15, are effectively barred from Spain because they are not fully vaccinated. (The Telegraph)

Holidays abroad now OK, says Welsh first minister

Welsh ministers have stopped advising people not to go on international holidays for the first time since the start of the pandemic nearly two years ago. Wales’ first minister Mark Drakeford said the change was due to the waning impact of the Omicron variant and high vaccination rates in the country. (BBC News)

Flight sales soar as Covid testing is dropped

Airlines and travel firms have seen bookings soar following the government’s scrapping of the Day Two test for vaccinated travellers from 11 February. Jet2, Tui and Thomas Cook have all reported a rush of bookings this week with flights for February half-term and the Easter holidays in high demand. (The Times)

PM in peril as police launch investigation

Prime minister Boris Johnson’s future hangs in the balance after the police announced an investigation into the “partygate” scandal. Conservative MPs are also waiting for the imminent publication of civil servant Sue Gray’s report on the Downing Street lockdown parties. (Various)

Netherlands to ease restrictions despite rising case numbers

The Dutch government is set to ease the country’s strict Covid restrictions, which have been in place since 18 December, despite infections continuing to rise in the country. Cafes, bars and restaurants will be allowed to open until 10pm, although proof of vaccination or recent recovery from the virus will be required for entry. (Reuters)

Covid travel test firm ordered to pay refunds to holidaymakers

A Covid travel test firm has been ordered to pay refunds to holidaymakers after failing to provide them with swab results or kits. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it has secured an agreement from Dante Labs for the company to pay outstanding refunds within 21 days. (The Telegraph)