First Choice has revealed all four of its divisions are
trading ahead of last year, which has helped the group slash its
first-half losses.
Mainstream Holidays summer 2005 sales are up 11%, Specialist
Holidays sales are 33% ahead and Active Holidays are 11% up for the
summer. Bednights booked on Online Destination Services are up 151%
for 2004/05.
Pre-tax losses for the six months to the end of April 2005 were
£45.9 million compared to £50.9 million for the same
period in 2004 – a 10% improvement.
The group has wiped out first-half losses for its three specialist
divisions. Last year the three divisions made a £4.1 million
loss.
Chief executive Peter Long said the figures gave him confidence the
company would meet its full-year targets.
“It’s the third year we have reduced our winter losses. In the last
two years we have reduced them by 23%,” Long said.
“There are no signs that the squeeze reported by some companies on
consumer spending is having any impact on the holiday habits of our
customers.”
________________
To comment on this article click here