Thomas Cook travel – prices up

Travel Consumer Issue: Thomas Cook are very much mistaken, if they think there will not be a lates war for the summer’s lates market. Its happening already…

Plus why do operators Like Thomas Cook have to increase travel surcharges on the public.

Thomas cook clearly state that part of the increase in prices is an increase in surcharges, all those annoying extras…

Why not add your voice on this travel Issue and comment below..

Thomas Cook chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa said the average UK summer price was 9% up year on year.

Even with cumulative bookings 12% down on last year, he added the trade was unlikely to see the pricing bloodbaths of old.

Fontenla-Novoa said: “Had we been in this position [of low sales and a weak economy] two or three years ago before the consolidation [of the big four] I would have been really nervous.

He added the average price rise had been driven by the operator’s increase in both higher value medium and long-haul sales, as well as increased surcharges.

Fontenla-Novoa said if prices are cut in the lates market, this will be largely driven by suppliers, as opposed to operators, who are suffering in the current market.

Holidays to the euro-zone will pick up in the lates market as more popular destinations, such as Egypt and Turkey, run out of capacity for the peak season so forcing customers to look elsewhere.

He said destinations like Spain, which has reported an 18% drop in UK visitor numbers in the first quarter of this year, can also bounce back next year through offering better pricing.