Thomas Cook rebuke mass closure plan
Thomas Cook chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa will spell out to staff this week that it remains “100% committed” to its retail network after speculation intensified that the operator plans to close 400 shops.
He rubbished claims that a mass closure programme was on the horizon and insisted: “Today we are as committed to our high street as we have ever been.”
He added: “Our strategy is to offer our customers a choice of booking channels and that includes high street stores, call centres, thomascook.com and our own TV channel.”
At its annual conference this week, Fontenla-Novoa will tell 2000 management staff that it intends to invest £8 million in improving its shops, including the introduction of new technology.
But observers said it was inconceivable that all shops will remain open as online sales increase.
“They may not close 400 all at once but leases will not be renewed and it will study the performance of shops closer than ever,” said one.
Report by Steve Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026