Thomas Cook UK upbeat on future

THOMAS Cook UK is confident its 2005 financial results will be the best in the company's 163-year history.

UK and Ireland chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa predicts the company will exceed last year's record profit of £51 million.

Fontenla-Novoa said increased margins fuelled by strong package holiday sales and a good winter 04/05 are behind the prediction.

"2005 has seen healthy profit margins for package holidays. Resulting profit margins are therefore stronger and UK businesses are performing well,” he said.

The company saw an increase in customer numbers of 2.5% for the six months to April 30, 2005. Thomas Cook UK doesn't release detailed financial data for the UK operation until its full year results in November.

The news comes as parent company Thomas Cook AG predicts a return to profitability for this financial year.