TUI Travel, a UK-based travel company, has reported increased bookings for the 2013 summer holidays.
The company has reported an 8 percent increase in annual pre-tax profits from its UK businesses in the year ended September 30, 2012. The company has also reported that early bookings for the summer of 2013 have shown an increase of between 9 percent and 16 percent in Northern European markets.
The company has reported an outstanding performance in the UK, with a record operating profit of £197m in 2012, compared to £149m in 2011, and operating profit margins of 5.4 percent in 2012, a rise from 4.2 percent in the prior year.
Peter Long, the chief executive officer of TUI Travel, said, ‘The year has been one of many successes. We have delivered record Group profits while the UK achieved outstanding results both in terms of profit and margin all against a backdrop of continued economic uncertainty.
Our proven strategy continues to evolve and drive strong trading momentum throughout the Group. Overall, with the exception of France, trading for both Winter 2012/13 and Summer 2013 is very encouraging.
We are today pleased to announce the next stage of our strategic development. This roadmap for growth, built on our detailed understanding of the market and robust business models, means that we are well placed to continue to deliver long-term sustainable growth, which in turn, will drive further value for both our shareholders and our customers.’
Calum Macdonald, the e-commerce manager at Holiday Hypermarket, a subsidiary of TUI Travel, said, ‘All-inclusive package holidays provide great control for people who are managing their budgets carefully and who want to get their money’s worth on a luxury holiday to a well-known summer destination.
We’re pleased with the volume of holidays that have been booked this winter, and we’re looking forward to what – according to trends – looks like a strong summer season next year.’
