Thomas Cook to reduce number of holidays on offer

THE THOMAS Cook Group, which operates Panorama, Sunworld and Direct Holidays in Ireland, is to cut the number of holidays for sale here by up to 20 per cent next year due to falling demand.

Ian Darbyshire, chief executive of Thomas Cook Independents, said up to 50,000 fewer seats would be offered for summer and winter holidays in 2009. He said the slowdown had become apparent about 12 months ago and was more noticeable among Irish consumers than those in Britain.

Mr Darbyshire said there would be little or no impact on staff numbers here and the move would not result in price increases.