Manny Fontenla-Novoa has spoken openly for the first time about the court case in Corfu to Travel Weekly.
Two of his reps are among 11 people on trial over the deaths of two British children on holiday in 2006.
Fontenla-Novoa said: “All of our organisation has been affected by this because we genuinely care. It is a huge, emotional thing for us.
“The people worst affected, of course, are the family. As a parent and a grandparent, I go cold even thinking about it.”
Richard Carson and Nicola Gibson are facing charges of manslaughter by negligence over the deaths of Christianne Shepherd, seven, and her brother Robert, six, from Yorkshire.
They died after breathing in poisonous fumes from a faulty gas boiler while staying at the Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel in Gouvia, Corfu.
The court case against Carson, Gibson and nine Greek nationals is due to resume on April 21 for three days.
Fontenla-Novoa revealed the trial was putting “a massive strain on the family, ourselves and our staff”.
He added: “If it means that proper justice can be done, then that is fine and we will do everything we can to make sure it is done. But I mean proper justice must be done, not just political justice.”
Fontenla-Novoa said everyone at Thomas Cook would make themselves available “whenever they are needed and for however long it takes”, adding that the group would move swiftly to react to the Corfu court judgment.
“We’re working with everyone to make sure all the facts are there, and if there is any learning to be had from all this then we will absolutely act on it,” he pledged.
Fontenla-Novoa said he had been very touched by the reaction of the industry to the tragic events and trial – even from commercial rivals.
“We’re really grateful for all the support we’ve had from the travel industry. No one is turning it into a competitive advantage,” he added.
“I’ve had some incredible messages of goodwill personally which is really heartening and I thank everyone for that.”
Much hangs on the outcome of the case. Whatever the verdict, it is likely to lead to calls for more stringent and consistent health and safety laws across Europe to ensure that standards are maintained.
Among the witnesses expected to be called at next week’s trial is Andy Cooper, Thomas Cook’s government and external affairs director, who was director-general of the Federation of Tour Operators at the time of the deaths.
Next week’s hearings are expected to mark the end of the prosecution case, with the defence to follow on as yet unconfirmed dates.
Photo: © STR New / Reuters