Thomas Cook sees bookings increase
Continued unrest in Egypt failed to knock Thomas Cook off track today, as it said summer bookings had risen against last year.
Ahead of its half-year results announcement, the holidays giant confirmed it has already sold 50% of holidays for the forthcoming summer season, a rise of 1% on last year. Winter trading has been "satisfactory", the company added in today's statement.
And while average selling prices have so far delivered below last year's levels in some markets, Thomas Cook insisted margin was expected to be above last year's levels as it continues to grow profits.
Chief executive Harriet Green said: "Delivery of our strategy of sustained profitable growth remains on track and our trading, with increased summer bookings, is encouraging.
"Winter trading has been satisfactory, despite the significant market disruption caused by continued unrest in Egypt, as our businesses have worked successfully together to offer our customers a wider choice of destinations."
In the UK, winter bookings are 2% higher than last year excluding Egypt, but pricing was hit competition to some destinations as holiday packages were redirected from the north African country. As a result, average selling prices were 3% lower than last year.
UK summer bookings have sold better than at the same stage last year.
