TUI UK has moved to allay any negative speculation
after managing director Chris Mottershead embarked on an “extended family
break” of more than seven weeks.
It is unusual for an MD to take a long sabbatical
during the peak summer season.
But the company said the break had been
planned since Mottershead started at TUI UK two-and-a-half years ago after
coming straight from his
previous job with Airtours in Canada.
A spokesman said: “Before there are any rumours we are
letting people know this time off has been planned since Chris started.
“Obviously it is high season but the day-to-day
trading is run by planning and trading director Dave Burling and all board
directors are clear on the strategy.”
The company has no policy to stop staff taking time
off during the peak summer season but it is left to each department within TUI.
Mottershead is due back on September 6.
Meanwhile, TUI-owned Coventry Airport is to have its
application for a permanent passenger terminal heard by Warwick District
Council in September, 18 months after the airport first submitted its planning
application.
The airport accused the council of dragging its feet
over the delay, but WDC said it is still waiting for information to help it
access the application.
The airport has also forced the council to withdraw
claims it needs to apply for planning permission for its interim terminal
following a planning inspectorate report last week.
The airport only needs to provide an environmental survey
to the planning inspectorate.