TUI Travel has no plans to implement a new programme of shop closures in the upcoming months.
Speaking on the day of the release of TUI Travel’s interim results for the six months ending March 31, chief executive Peter Long said both the internet and retail shops remained important distribution channels.
In particular, he admitted retail agents could prove strong in upselling customers as well as trading in more expensive holidays.
Long said: “The retail channel is very important to us and will continue to be for us. We’ve got good brands; we want to continue with two brands.”
However, he admitted the vertically integrated operator would continue its policy of reviewing a shop’s future as and when its lease comes up for renewal, particularly if TUI owns more than two shops in a town or it is believed a shop can be relocated to a better area.