Holidaymakers to the Caribbean this winter are being told they can avoid UK quarantine restrictions under a new initiative revealed by Virgin Atlantic Holidays.
Under the Escape Pass scheme, customers will be notified of their destination and holiday details two weeks before departure.
Travellers can opt for a full refund or a travel voucher if the operator is unable to fulfil the holiday.
Countries on offer include Barbados, Antigua, Grenada and Tobago with plans to include Jamaica and further Caribbean islands as they are added to the government’s ‘safe’ travel corridor list.
Holidaymakers choose the length of stay, hotel rating, board basis and aircraft cabin.
They then receive an Atol-protected Escape Pass which “guarantees” a Caribbean holiday without quarantining on return to the UK, according to the company.
Packages start at £759 per person for seven nights.
The move to target Caribbean islands on the UK’s travel corridors list follows research showing more than half of people (54%) would be more likely to book a holiday if they knew there was an full guarantee they would not have to self-isolate when their return.
More than 66% of British adults avoided booking a holiday this year over fears travel rules would force them to self-isolate, cut a trip short or have it cancelled, the poll of 1,000 people found.
When asked what their biggest concerns are around self-isolating, being unable to fulfil work commitments (28%) and having to rely on other people (16%) topped the list.
As lockdown restrictions in England are expected to be eased in the coming weeks, respondents plan to take a holiday abroad (31%) if travel restrictions are no barrier, above buying new furniture or home appliances (18%).
Virgin Atlantic chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen said: “We know customers are keen to get away on their next adventure after a difficult year.
“Top of the list is a holiday to the Caribbean, where the Covid-19 pandemic has been managed extremely well, allowing holiday makers to enjoy sun, sea and beaches safely.
“The Escape Pass has been created to take all the stress and uncertainty out of booking that dream Caribbean holiday.
“Through the Atol-protected package, we will ensure customers are sent to a beautiful island with the peace of mind that they won’t need to quarantine on their return.
“We have implemented a comprehensive set of measures including enhanced cleaning of our aircraft, individual health packs for all our customers with medical grade face masks, and an improved service which minimises contact between our cabin crew and customers.”
