Tui Group today said half (50%) of its UK summer holidays had been sold online so far this year. That’s ahead of the 47% sold over the internet by the same time last year.
The UK market, where Tui trades as First Choice and Thomson , is ahead of the average: so far, across Tui’s northern European markets, just over a third of summer holidays have been booked online. In all, 62% of the UK market’s allocation of holidays have been sold, but sales growth is flat compared to last year.
Across all its markets, the travel company said, 59% of its holidays for summer 2015 have been booked. Some 36% of bookings have taken place online, 11% up on the same time last year. Bookings are currently 2% up on the same time last year, while prices are 1% ahead.
The update came as Tui Group today reported revenue of €6.9bn (£4.9bn) in the six months to March 31, 7.3% up on the same time last year. Earnings before interest, tax and asset writedowns came in at €368.9m (£263.0), as losses widened from €334.1m (£238.1m) in the same period last year.
Chief executives Friedrich Joussen and Peter Long said: “We are pleased with our first half operating result and overall summer 2015 trading, with continued strong demand for our unique holidays and a significant increase in online bookings.”
They added: “Our strategy as the world’s leading tourism business, building on a global brand with an attractive hotel portfolio, a growing fleet of cruise ships, and a modern and efficient leisure airline with direct access to over 20m customers, is taking shape and is delivering results.”
