Travel shares plunge

Sunday, 19 Jul, 2016 0

Shares in travel companies took a further hit yesterday following the failed military coup in Turkey over the weekend, which followed hard on the heels of a terror attack in the south of France.

Shares in Thomson and First Choice parent TUI fell to the bottom of the FTSE 100, losing 4% of their value before recovering to settle 13.5p down at 948p.

Thomas Cook’s stock fell by 5% to the bottom of the FTSE 250, down 3.2p to 60.6p.

Investors are nervous that the latest incidents in popular travel destinations will deter holidaymakers from making last-minute bookings.

Thomas Cook has posted a notice on its website stating that its programme to Turkey is operating normally, but customers who are concerned are advised to contact the company directly.

It said: "There has been no change to Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice regarding travel to Turkey following the events on Friday night. Our flight and holiday programme is operating as normal and our staff on the ground in resort tell us is that everything is calm and customers are enjoying their holidays.

"Any customers with any concerns about their holiday should check our updates here or contact us on 01733 224536."

Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk