Tui Travel’s UK Summer 2010 trading is up 13% according to a trading statement released this morning.
The travel giant has given an update on trading ahead of a close period prior to reporting its six month results up to March 31.
The statement said booking volumes for the summer in the UK were up 13% “well ahead of capacity and stock left to sell”.
UK load factor was 43%, the statement said, which was flat on last year despite a small increase in capacity. Average selling prices were up 9%.
The UK market was outperformed by the Nordics which was 23% up and a further capacity increase of 12% has been implemented, “reflecting the continued strong demand”.
Tui expects improved performance in both its Canadian and German markets “following the completion of previously announced transactions.”
The statement reported solid recent demand in Tui’s specialist and emerging markets which has sold 15% more holidays in the last four weeks compared to the same period last year, however cumulative bookings remained down 4%.
A similar position was reported in the activity sector which saw a 24% uplift in bookings in the last four weeks leaving the sector 9% up.
The Winter 2009/10 programme was all but sold out and Tui reported strong selling prices in the late market.
The statement concluded: “We are encouraged by recent strong trading trends and are confident as we move towards the summer season that we will continue to see strong demand and a recovery in earlier booking patterns.
“Accordingly, we remain well positioned to meet the Board’s expectations for the year ending September 30, 2010.”