Sovereign and Citalia spot early-booking trends

Sovereign said Greece was proving popular for the early summer, while traditional winter sun destinations Tenerife and Lanzarote have picked up most of the late winter sun bookings with the removal of day two testing requirements.

Simon Garrido, head of sales, said: “Recent bookings are indicating that customers are both confident to plan ahead and take a late escape. Our island destinations have proved very popular, with many upgrading their holidays to suites or private villas, and the average duration has increased.

“Greece has proven popular for the early summer with Corfu, Crete and Halkidiki gleaning the majority of the bookings. Traditional winter sun destinations such as Tenerife and Lanzarote have picked up most of the late winter sun bookings following the removal of the day two testing requirements.”

Italy specialist Citalia is also seeing hotspots emerge, particularly Lake Garda, Como and Sorrento.

Italy destination manager Heather Green said: “We know from our recent bookings that customers want to return to Italy and feel confident to do so this year. Sorrento is our biggest selling single-centre destination and hotels such as the Imperial Tramontano remain popular with our clients.

“Our new brochure for 2022 looks to capitalise on the perennial favourites but also offers some lesser-known suggestions. Twin and multi-centre holidays are growing again as travellers want to explore further afield and use the country’s efficient high-speed rail network.”

Among new properties is the five-star adults-only Praia Art Resort, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, on the Ionian coast of Calabria at Italy’s toe.

The property is located in Isola di Capo Rizzuto, beside a protected marine reserve and has its own private beach and a Michelin-starred restaurant. A seven-night stay with breakfast is from £1,499pp including flights from Gatwick and private transfers.