Thomas Cook enjoys strong end to summer

Thomas Cook today said a flurry of late bookings in the UK – particularly for breaks in Turkey and Egypt – helped it meet targets for summer trading.

The holiday giant sold 96% of its summer holidays, in line with 2008, while sales for the forthcoming winter season have also improved since August.

The comments are in line with those of First Choice rival TUI Travel, which yesterday highlighted the continued trend for later bookings.

Thomas Cook chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa said today: “Summer trading is finishing in line with expectations underpinned by a strong lates market and the popularity of the package holiday.”

The company sold 10% less summer breaks to UK customers than in 2008, as planned, with selling prices 8% higher.