According to news from TUI, online bookings in the UK now account for over half of the legendary travel booker’s business. TUI
Thomson and its First Choice’s parent announced a “unique holidays” special for exclusive concept hotels, and these now account for over 70% of summer sales too.
Furthermore, TUI says the new initiatives enourage booking farther out, gaining higher margins for the company, and that customer satisfaction is boosted as well. Profits so far this year have been up for TUI, to the tune of £112 million pounds as compared to £76 million this time last year. The travel giant this summer has seen prices much higher than in previous years since the economic downturn. Chief Executive of TUI Travel, Peter Long, offered this on the news:
“We are pleased to have delivered another strong performance this quarter across the group with a 21% increase in underlying operating profit. Demand for our unique holidays, which now account for over 70% of summer sales, has continued to grow, as have bookings made online. We remain pleased with progress in summer trading, despite strong comparatives, and are achieving higher average selling prices across Mainstream overall.”
Also announced today, TUI announced a survey suggesting stressed out parents are more ready than ever to take a holiday without the kids. This on the news Thomson has added three new properties into its Couples programme for summer 2015 bringing the collection to 55 hotels.
With anniversary travel expected to be big across Europe this Fall and Winter, and specialty offerings for couples without the kids in tow, expanding vacation seasons makes a lot of sense for TUI or any travel oriented company. For more information on TUI’s latest, please visit their communications section, or contact them directly at:
TUI Travel PLC
Corporate Communications
t: 01293 645700
