The combination of the lifting of UK travel restrictions, plus workers receiving their first pay packet since Christmas is set to create “soaring” demand for holidays this summer.

The UK’s largest tour operator said Mediterranean destinations and Mexico were proving to the most popular “hot spots” for UK holidaymakers, with sales being driven by offers, plus flexible booking and payment terms, to create a “post payday boom”.

Katie McAlister, chief marketing officer for Tui UK and Ireland, said: “Overseas travel is officially back on the map with renewed confidence releasing pent-up demand for sunshine holidays.

“Appetite to travel is stronger than ever and customers who may not have been abroad for more than two years are now taking advantage of flexible booking and payment options, as well as some excellent deals, to book a well-deserved summer break.” 

Tui’s best-selling destination is currently Majorca, followed by the Turkish resorts of Dalaman and Antalya, while Cancun in Mexico in fifth place is the only long-haul destination in the top 10.