Thomas Cook bookings rise against the odds
August 14, 2008
Europe’s second largest travel company, Thomas Cook said that summer bookings have remained resilient and more customers are making bookings for this year and next.
The travel firm said that the British public had still not scaled back or sacrificed their summer holidays. Its average selling price is 6% ahead of last year. Over the past 12 weeks to June 30, average selling prices were 14% ahead of 2007.
Thomas Cook has, however, cut the number of holidays it sells by 14% as part of their management’s capacity programme and hinted that they could make further reductions if customers show signs of cutting back on spending.
Chief executive of Thomas Cook, Manny Fontela-Novoa said “While we are encouraged by these early results, we are increasing our flexibility to give us the levers to pull in tougher market conditions, including fuel price hedging and capacity management in all our markets. We have a range of additional optional measures in the UK market, our largest market, which should strengthen our resilience.”
Thomas Cook also revealed that in the UK they only have 14% of its holiday quota left to sell.
The company also added that customers are booking further in advance in the hope of getting a bargain, with 25% of winter holidays already been sold.
Thomas Cook was dealt a blow last month when the takeover of its charter airline, Condor, was scrapped by Germany’s Air Berlin.
Thomas Cook said that talks would continue with Air Berlin about making a new deal and they are looking at alternative options for Condor.
Visit www.thomascook.com for more information.
Comments
Got something to say?
Advertisement