Thomas Cook says summer bookings up
Thomas Cook has said its summer bookings are ahead of last year, with strong growth in Germany and Northern Europe offsetting a weaker picture in the UK.
Europe’s second biggest travel firm said cumulative UK summer bookings were up one per cent, although the rate of booking intake had slowed noticeably as a result of continued economic uncertainty.
In a trading update, it said its Airlines Germany cumulative summer bookings were up 9 per cent, while Northern Europe’s were up 11 per cent.
“Overall, the business is performing well, given the disruption caused by the unrest in Egypt and Tunisia,” said chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa.
FTSE 250-listed Thomas Cook warned in February that unrest in Egypt and Tunisia would wipe around £20m off its second-quarter profit.
On Monday, rival TUI Travel’s Chief Executive Peter Long said it would factor in a hit of up to £40m each year from natural disasters and conflicts.