TUI Travel says bookings are up despite unrest
TUI Travel, Europe’s biggest tour operator, said summer bookings were ahead, with customers booking alternative destinations following the unrest in Egypt and Tunisia.
The company said yesterday that customers were picking Greece, Spain and Turkey and it had adjusted its programme accordingly, increasing the amount of holidays on sale to those regions.
TUI Travel reiterated guidance given in February that the unrest in Egypt and Tunisia could wipe up to £30m off profit after holidaymakers were advised to stay away from the region.
The group said it was increasing the amount of higher margin “differentiated product” it sells. This comprises holidays to resorts exclusively operated by TUI Travel.
TUI Travel said its winter programmes were almost fully sold, with planned load factors achieved outside Egypt and Tunisia. Growth in summer bookings in Britain however has fallen, to two per cent from eight per cent, as of 16 January.