TUI reports tough UK market

Thomson tour company TUI today said difficult market conditions in the UK had caused wider first quarter losses at its Northern Europe division.

The group, which is in the process of merging its travel operation with First Choice, reported underlying losses of €117m for the region in the first three months of 2007, against €92m a year earlier.

The seasonally quieter trading period usually produces negative figures, but TUI noted a tough market environment in the UK, where it operates brands including Thomson, Jetsave and Crystal.