The petition, launched by Encounters Travel sales manager Anthony Horrobin, had been signed by more than 3,000 people by Thursday afternoon (3 September).

Many travel businesses have been unable to furlough staff in great numbers, with teams required to carry out non-profit generating tasks like processing refunds and rebooking clients.

"While many industries are now able to trade either fully or partially, the travel industry is being disproportionately affected by travel restrictions and quarantines being imposed by the government," said Horrobin.

"Many people have spent their lives working in the industry, and once all this is over, those skilled employees will be once again required to plan and take the nation on holiday.

"While restrictions remain in place, imposed by the government, we cannot trade fully or make a recovery."

The petition has been shared on social media by several travel leaders, including Derek Jones, chief executive of Kuoni parent Der Touristik UK, and Chris Wright, managing director of Sunvil.

It echoes one of the requests of government of the TTG-led #SaveTravel campaign, which is for dedicated sector-specific support for travel, including potentially extending the furlough scheme.

Visit the Parliament UK petitions website to read and sign the petition.