TUI/First Choice issue trading updates
TUI and First Choice both issued trading updates alongside the meger announcement.
TUI said the winter season was closing with turnover up by 5.4% and a 9% rise in customers, figures it said were ahead of current market growth.
For summer 2007, passengers booked are up by 7.2% year-on-year with sales up by 4.7%.
First Choice said mainstream winter reveues were up by 12%, with long haul capcity increased by 25%.
“The mainstream sector has fewer holidays left to sell than at the same point last year and while margins are slightly behind last year, they are in line with expectations,” the company said.
Specialist holidays were trading “well overall” in winter while revenues are head in activity holidays and adventure holidays revenues are 4% ahead.
For summer, First Choice said mainstream revenues “have steadily moved ahead” despite the “challenging market”. Overall capacity will be flat on last year, with increased long haul capacity. Revenues for long haul have risen by 19% with margins slightly behind last year but in line with expectations.
Sales of specialist holidays are “improving significantly” week on week while the activity sector and online distribution services are trading in line with expectations, the company said.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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