The operator said the recent spell of warm weather had encouraged more people to book summer getaways, most notably last-minute June trips – particularly "last-minute, short, sunny getaways" – and school holiday departures.

Sales for June are up by 20% year-on-year, said Tui UK and Ireland; Spain's islands have seen the strongest demand, with bookings for the Balearics up 60% year-on-year during the heatwave period, and the Canaries by 50% year-on-year.

And while seven-night holidays remain the most popular, demand for four-night breaks saw the largest week-on-week increase, rising by 40%.

Managing Director Neil Swanson said: "Despite what people may think, hot weather at home doesn’t dampen demand, a spell of good weather at home can actually inspire people to book, not hold back.

"It gives them a taste of summer and often leaves them wanting more. And with the weather forecast set to cool next week [week beginning 1 June], it could prompt even more people to lock in a sunshine break abroad, with the joy of sunshine fresh in their minds."

Tui's First Choice brand also saw an increase in short break bookings during the heatwave. Between Friday 22 May and Thursday 28 May, First Choice experienced a sharp increase in four-night stays, making up almost 10% of all bookings.

In addition, two-thirds (66%) of bookings made during this period were for trips departing in the next 14 to 30 days, with Greece and Spain in greatest demand.