THOMAS Cook UK is confident its 2005 financial results will
be the best in the company’s 163-year history.
UK and Ireland chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa predicts the
company will exceed last year’s record profit of £51
million.
Fontenla-Novoa said increased margins fuelled by strong package
holiday sales and a good winter 04/05 are behind the prediction.
“2005 has seen healthy profit margins for package holidays.
Resulting profit margins are therefore stronger and UK businesses
are performing well,” he said.
The company saw an increase in customer numbers of 2.5% for the six
months to April 30, 2005. Thomas Cook UK doesn’t release
detailed financial data for the UK operation until its full year
results in November.
The news comes as parent company Thomas Cook AG predicts a return
to profitability for this financial year.