Thomas Cook is working on a two-year investment and growth plan to ‘build a more robust structure’ for the Cooperative Personal Travel Advisors and Freedom Travel Group.
In an email sent to homeworkers and Freedom members last night, Kelly Cookes, the incoming head of Freedom, said Thomas Cook was “fully committed” to both businesses.
The email comes after months of rumours that Freedom was up for sale.
Cookes said members and homeworkers from both businesses would be consulted on what they would want to see introduced to help strengthen the businesses.
In the internal communication, she said initial projects being looked at included technology provision and systems.
Cookes said she was excited that the businesses “will remain an important part of the Thomas Cook Group” and added: “Today I would like to state very clearly that Thomas Cook are fully committed to both businesses, and in fact we are working on a two-year investment and growth plan that we looking forward to sharing with you all in due course.
“This is really exciting for us and we’ll be meeting with the Focus Groups and getting feedback from across the business on what you, the members and homeworkers want to see but some of the initial projects that are being looked at are: technology provision and systems, support to include tour operator payments and commercial terms – current and new suppliers.
“You have my assurance that we remain committed to strengthening the businesses and building a more robust structure so that we can improve the support and advice we offer you. Again we will keep you posted on developments in this area drawing on the central functions available within the wider Thomas Cook Group.”
Asked whether the Freedom Group was no longer for sale, a spokesman for Thomas Cook said: “We don’t comment on rumour or speculation.”
The new Freedom boss also announced that compliance manager Richard Simpson, and business development manager Rhian Herbert, were leaving the business in June and August respectively.