THOMSON has sent a letter to suppliers in resort asking for financial help to kick-start flagging winter sales.
The operator would not comment on how much funding it wants, any plans for increased marketing activity, or which resorts are targeted but, in the letter, purchasing manager Kuno Jaeggi said Thomson would have to make a ‘significant’ investment to stimulate sales.
He described winter sales as ‘very disappointing’. “This is caused by a number of factors and we do not believe it is particular to either Thomson or the UK market. The so-called millennium effect has clearly played a part with a greater number of people staying at home over this period than would normally over Christmas and the new year,” he said.
“We are undoubtedly facing a very difficult trading period.
“We are doing everything possible to maximise sales as well as controlling our costs here in the UK.”
The operator recently issued its third profits warning in less than six months.