Sun shines on TUI bookings

TUI, Europe’s biggest tour operator, yesterday reported a “strong” summer of UK trading, prompting it to hike full-year profit hopes.

TUI has seen sales of holidays to Egypt faltering after unrest in the Middle East country. Picture: Getty

Its fortunes contrasted with those of rival Thomas Cook, which saw a weak finish to summer trading and a slow start to the winter season blamed on warm weather in Europe, although it remains on track to hit full-year targets.

Both companies said turmoil in Egypt had hit recent bookings to the country.

Thomson and First Choice parent TUI said it had significantly reduced capacity there and deployed flights to other destinations.

Excluding Egypt, TUI said it has sold 29 per cent of its UK winter programme, with bookings 4 per cent ahead and average prices up 7 per cent.