Strong performance of its business in the UK and in the Nordic countries helped TUI Travel plc, the London based tour operator that owns Thomson Cruises, to cut its loss in the firstsix months of its financial year.

Group net loss in the period to 31 March narrowed to £404 million from £457 million in the same period a year earlier. Revenues fell slightly, to £5.40 billion from £5.45 billion.

In the UK, bookings rose by 7%, well ahead of a 3% increase in overall capacity the company has on offer, while prices rose 5% on average per holiday sold. The company is a major retailer of cruises through its Thomson travel shop chain.

In the Nordic region, bookings rose 9% and prices increased by 5%, while in Germany prices rose 7% but bookings declined by 3%, the company said in a statement.

Peter Long, Chief Executive Officer, said the company expects operating profit for the full year to rise by 10% year on, with the expectations based on current trading and constant currencies.