Thomas Cook Hit by Heatwave as North Europeans Shun Beach Trips
- Tour operator says temperature has dented appetite for travel
- Full-year earnings forecast to be at lower end of expectations
Photographer: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
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Thomas Cook Group Plc said unusually hot weather is making its north European customers far less enthusiastic about booking last-minute beach holidays, weighing on the tour operator’s earnings.
Summer bookings for the U.K. company’s package breaks were unchanged from last year through July 21, compared to a 3 percent gain through May, according to a statement Tuesday, indicating a fall-off in sales. Full-year operating profit is now expected to be at the lower end of the 323 million pounds to 355 million pounds ($425 million to $467 million) estimated by analysts.