Thomas Cook hit by Turkey troubles

Tourism

Summerholidaybookingsfor mostdestinations with Peterborough-based ThomasCook wereinlinewithexpectations except for Turkey.

The travel giant says that overall holiday bookings last summer, excluding Turkey, were up by eight per cent.

But i ncluding Turkey, bookings were down by four per cent as a result of terrorism and political upheaval, the company has revealed in a trading update.

Sales have been driven by demand for high-volume destinations including the Balearic and Canary Islands and the USA, alongside smaller destinations like Bulgaria and Cuba.

PeterFankhauser, chief executive of Thomas Cook, said: “Thesummerseasonhasprogressed largely as expected.

“Customers’ desire to go abroad on holiday has remainedstrongwiththeexception of Turkey wheredemand continues to be volatile.

“Sales for the winter sea- son are in line with last year while sales so far for Summer 2017 suggest customers are booking early to secure their first-choice destination and hotel. We remain focused on ensuring we have the right holidays available.”