On the Beach has resumed its summer bookings, after announcing that it was closing for Summer 2021 back in May, with the addition of offering free Covid tests for packages to Spain, Greece, and Cyprus this month.
The offer applies to all September bookings for Spain, Greece, and Cyprus for holidays taken in 2021.
Simon Cooper, On the Beach chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to launch this industry-leading offer for our customers and remove the financial burden of PCR testing for holidaymakers as they get to grips with the new normal of holidaying.”
Tests will be ordered automatically following the booking and delivered a minimum of 48 hours prior to departure, with one antigen test to be taken on holiday prior to return to the UK and one PCR test to be carried out on or before Day 2 following arrival in the UK.
On the Beach has partnered with UKAS-approved testing provider Collinson. Initially, free tests will be available for those residing in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
On the Beach said: “The move has been taken to help remove the financial and administrative barriers of PCR testing as customers acclimatise to the ‘new normal’ of holidaying abroad and includes both antigen and PCR tests.”
On the Beach has created a £1.5 million fund dedicated to helping rebuild consumer confidence in travel and support a long-term and sustained return of tourism. It expects at least £1 million of this fund will be spent on offering customers free tests.
Another £500,000 will be invested to rebuild consumer confidence via a New Normal Booking Pledge.
On the Beach found a third of 2,000 people surveyed, that the cost of PCR tests is one of the main reasons why they had not booked for 2021, second only to concerns the holiday would not go ahead.
A quarter of people not currently planning holidays this year said free Covid-19 tests would make them more likely to book for 2021.
