Bookings soared at an Oxfordshire travel agent following the prime minister’s announcement of a roadmap out of lockdown.

Co-operative Travel, which has branches in Headington and Carterton, saw bookings increase by 135 per cent on the day after Boris’s announcement that international travel could potentially restart on May 17.

Traffic on the company’s website also surged by 80 per cent with visits peaking as the PM addressed the nation at 7pm.

The majority of the bookings were for holidays this summer unlike the previous week when most were for holidays in 2022.

Most customers booked for departure in September with August the second most popular departure date.

However, many were still booking for June and July, suggesting a demand to get away as soon as restrictions are lifted.

Natalie Turner, head of retail at Co-operative Travel, said: “The prime minister’s announcement this week has really inspired confidence in our customers to book that longed-for getaway and has given them renewed hope that they will get a summer holiday this year."

She added that the travel situation remains unpredictable and the Co-op, as well as other big name tour operators, are offering free changes and cancellations and speedy refunds on package holidays.