AN independent travel company with branches across Dorset says the industry is bracing for a comeback and has ‘high hopes’ for holidays – as its shops were reopening their doors to customers today.

Hays Travel, which has branches in Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport, says it is ‘more optimistic than ever’ that people who want to travel safely can now start to book holidays following latest government guidance.

The company was today reopening its shops for customers as the country moves into the latest phase of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown. It comes after Grant Schapps, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “This is the probably the first time I can say I’m not advising people not to book to go away this summer - instead I’m saying in two or three weeks you’ll have that green list of countries, amber and red, and people are going to be able to make their own decisions.”

Dame Irene Hays, owner of Hays Travel, said: “We are more optimistic now than we’ve ever been that people who want to travel safely can book holidays again as the whole country eases out of lockdown.

“The phones are ringing now and the shops are ready to open. Numbers of bookings at the moment are nothing like normal of course, but where there are fantastic offers they’re being snapped up.

“What iss different is that more people are using a travel agent so that they get the best advice and support if things change, and the majority of customers are making plans for booking for late 2021 and 2022, taking advantage of guarantees like our Peace of Mind Guarantee and insurance to cover all eventualities.

“Our staff are really looking forward to being back in their branches and meeting customers again albeit socially distanced. We’ll also continue to meet virtually – whatever is best for them.

“We will be monitoring the government advice closely and our staff are primed and ready to be first with the green light holidays for their customers.”