Tui denies taking 'cheap shot' at Thomas Cook

Tui Travel's chief executive, Peter Long, yesterday defended the use of a controversial advertisement that highlighted the problems of rival Thomas Cook.

He made his comments as Tui, the world's largest tour operator which owns the Thomson and First Choice brands, delivered record operating profits, up 18 per cent to £471m for the year to 30 September.

Following the funding and trading problems cited by Thomas Cook two weeks ago, Tui then put out an advertisement saying: "Another holiday company may be experiencing turbulence, but we're in really great shape."

But Mr Long said that some customers had thought Thomson was part of Thomas Cook. He said: "It was not a cheap shot. It was in order to ensure there was clarity that Thomson is part of Tui."