Thomas Cook, Europe's second biggest travel firm, said summer bookings were ahead of last year, with strong growth in Germany and Northern Europe offsetting a weaker picture in the UK. The firm said on Tuesday cumulative UK summer bookings were up 1 per cent, although the rate of booking intake had slowed noticeably as a result of continued economic uncertainty. It said its Airlines Germany cumulative summer bookings were up 9 percent, while Northern Europe's were up 11 per cent. "Overall, the business is performing well, given the disruption caused by the unrest in Egypt and Tunisia," said Chief Executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa. The firm warned in February that unrest in Egypt and Tunisia would wipe around 20 million pounds sterling (US$32.05 million) off its second-quarter profit. On Monday, rival TUI Travel's Chief Executive Peter Long said it would factor in a hit of up to 40 million pounds sterling each year from natural disasters and conflicts.
