Struggling tour operator Thomas Cook has reportedly suffered a near 33% slump in summer bookings as its financial woes deter already cash-strapped holidaymakers.

RICE BOAT TRIP TO KERALA FROM €800

A much-needed rally for London shares was sustained today after the US Federal Reserve helped to address some of the panic in world markets.

The London market made scant progress today as an IMF endorsement of the UK government’s deficit-busting plans was overshadowed by wider fears over the global recovery.

An improved outlook on the crisis in Libya and a raft of positive blue-chip updates saw the FTSE 100 Index break back through the 6000 barrier today.

The London market pushed ahead today as traders expected more positive employment figures from the US and seized on reports of a mooted peace deal for Libya.

The London market was dragged down today by fears over the impact higher oil prices will have on inflation and global economic growth.

London’s FTSE 100 Index sunk into the red today as political unrest in Egypt hit sentiment and sent travel stocks lower.

The escalating political unrest in Egypt took its toll on global markets today as oil prices pushed higher and shares in the travel sector slumped.

The FTSE 100 Index ended on a Christmas high today after a last-minute rally saw the main London market close past the symbolic 6000 mark.

HUGE airships containing apartments and aqua-village floating holiday resorts are among tourist developments that could feature by 2030, according to a report.

The London market continued its rally today after the European Central Bank stepped up efforts to contain the continent's government debt crisis.

THE travel sector will be in sharp focus this week when tour operators TUI Travel and Thomas Cook deliver full-year results, with figures also due from two players in the pub market.

London’s blue chip share index steamed 1.4% ahead today thanks to a boost from cheery news on the world’s biggest economy.

Global stock markets soared higher today as investors took heart from positive signs for the global economy.

Anxious stay-at-home Britons triggered a second profit warning from a major tour operator in as many days today as Thomas Cook joined Thomson Holidays rival TUI Travel in the doldrums.

TUI Travel led London’s blue chip share index into the red today as stocks suffered in cautious trading ahead of key forecasts from UK and US central banks.

The FTSE 100 Index fell almost 2% today as momentum faded following Monday’s 5% surge.

The FTSE 100 Index shed almost 1% today after weaker metal prices caused a slump for shares in mining companies.

Chancellor Alistair Darling’s pre-election Budget did little for the London market today despite slightly better news on the public finances.

The London market edged lower today as investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of Alistair Darling's imminent Budget announcement.

A clearer picture on consumer spending may emerge this week as firms including Diageo are among those due to issue updates.

The FTSE 100 Index lost ground today as renewed worries over the impact of the Dubai debt crisis kept anxious investors on the sidelines.

London's FTSE 100 Index touched the 5000 mark for the first time in almost a year today as investor confidence showed little sign of waning.

Fears of a global swine flu pandemic sent travel and airline stocks reeling today as reports of new cases mounted across the globe.

Insurers were back in the red today after Legal & General slashed its dividend for the first time in the group's history and posted plunging profits.

The London market began the wind-down to Christmas today as the market drifted lower amid thin trading volumes.

The FTSE 100 Index rose almost 2% today as investors returned to the market after the sell-off of the previous week.

One of the most volatile weeks in the London market’s recent history ended today with the FTSE 100 Index barely changed on its starting point.

The FTSE 100 Index posted further gains today following a revival in US and Asian markets.

The FTSE 100 Index held on to positive territory today, despite the impact of a weaker-than-expected start to trading on Wall Street.

Thomson Holidays owner TUI Travel celebrated its recent promotion to the London market’s top flight with a gain of almost 2% today.

BUDGET Travel has been sold by its German owners in a multi-million euro deal to Icelandic travel firm Primera.

Staff at hundreds of travel agents could lose their jobs following the creation of a massive £12bn (€17.6bn) UK holiday company.

The London market began the week on the front foot today driven on by deals and takeover speculation.

The owner of Thomson holidays and Britannia Airways saw UK customer numbers rise almost 15% during a solid start to the year, figures showed today.

The company behind Thomson Holidays and Lunn Poly was today said to be planning to reduce its workforce by around 2,000 as part of a major overhaul.

The future travel hopes of the UK’s leading holiday company are being buoyed by Brazil, it was revealed today.

Internet travel retailer Lastminute.com has appointed a new UK managing director following the departure of co-founder Martha Lane Fox, who stepped down in December after the company recorded its first ever annual profit.

David Pleat and Chris Hughton will remain in charge at Tottenham until the end of the season.

World Sports Solutions, the company which promotes stars including footballer Rio Ferdinand, today acquired marketing specialist Chris Reed for an undisclosed sum.

British Airways has received fresh interest in its German arm Deutsche BA just days after low cost carrier easyJet pulled out of plans to buy it, the airline said today.

Travellers on trips with the UK’s biggest holiday company will have to pay for all airline meals from next summer, it was announced today.