Cook’s summer bookings ‘developing well’
Thomas Cook says bookings for the Summer 2013 season are "developing well" with around 60% of planned capacity sold, 2% higher than at the same time last year.
With capacity cut by around 6%, this means the Group has 10% left to sell than last year.
"We anticipate that the current booking position should support prices and margins during the remainder of the season, recognising that the ‘lates’ market last year was particularly strong due to inclement weather throughout much of Europe," said the group.
It said UK planned capacity has been reduced by 4% but bookings to date have reduced by less than 2%.
Average selling prices are up by over 4% and the gross margin percentage achieved on bookings so far is up by over 1%.
"With committed capacity left to sell 7% lower, compared with the same time last year, our ability to preserve this quality of business is increased," it said.
Online bookings have reached 35%, closer to the target of 50% by 2015.
by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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