Luxury operator Classic Collection Holidays said it is “eyeing a promising winter market” with an early launch of Canary Islands and short-haul winter-sun 2021-22 brochures.

Alex Gavalda, product and commercial director, said: “A winter-sun break is ordinarily a second or third break of the year, but this is an extraordinary year.

“Given the modest re-opening of travel so far, this year customers might be viewing a winter-sun escape as their only holiday.

“An abundance of unused annual leave coupled with lockdown savings waiting to be spent, and overdue extended family and friends get-togethers, are optimistic signals pointing towards higher value winter bookings; durations will be longer and there’ll be no shortage of upgrades on flights, transfers and accommodation.

“It could be a rewarding end to the year for those agents upselling to enjoy the enhanced commission that higher value bookings bring.

“The luxury sector seems particularly well-placed to meet the pent-up demand from those seeking an extra-special trip to compensate for a missed summer holiday.

“Airport lounges, upgrades on flights and VIP transfers offer customers more chance to social distance, and suites and villas with private pools and butler service allow guests to maximise holiday enjoyment while minimising time in communal areas.”

He said destinations with a good winter-sun record and shorter flight times, such as the Canary Islands, Morocco and Egypt are “particularly appealing” as customers can easily extend a stay by two or three days as there are regular daily flights.