Thomas Cook, the London based listed tour operator, has reported a fall in selling prices and a mixture of rises and falls in volumes as Continental Europe continues to suffer from weak economy, the company said in a statement.

With the Winter season 85% sold, total tour operator bookings are in line with this time last year with average selling prices down 2%. "Bookings in our UK business have increased significantly, with volumes 6% higher than at this time last year (and average selling prices 1% lower) as we have expanded our Winter Sun offering to new destinations, including the Caribbean, Cuba and Cape Verde," the company said.

Continental Europe bookings are 4% lower than last year, reflecting the discontinuation of unprofitable routes in France and Russia and a later booking profile in Germany. Average selling prices are 3% lower than last year reflecting competitive market conditions. "However, the booking trend in the last four weeks has improved significantly," Thomas Cook noted.

Northern Europe bookings are 1% below last year, while prices are 3% higher. "Our Nordic business continues to perform well in Sweden and Denmark, while demand in Norway has been impacted by wider macroeconomic factors," the company pointed out.

The Summer 15 season is 41% sold for the Group as whole, 3% higher than this time last year. "Total bookings for our tour operator business are 2% lower than last year with a slight decrease in average selling prices," Thomas Cook continued. UK Summer bookings are 5% higher than last year with average selling prices 1% lower. "As part of our capacity management for the Summer season, we have increased the level of flight capacity allocated to dynamically packaged products and “seat only” business, reflecting customer demand for more flexible products."

"In addition, we have successfully launched new sales channels for our airline, including long haul flight destinations such as New York and Miami. This strategy has improved our operational flexibility to meet customer demand while ensuring that in-house flight capacity is managed in the most efficient manner. As a result, although average selling prices in total are 1% lower than last year, Charter Risk pricing has improved by 2%," it said

"In Continental Europe, with 29% of the programme sold, early Summer bookings are 6% lower than last year compared to a strong comparative, particularly in our German business, which has experienced a later booking profile. Average selling prices have been maintained at last year’s level," the company concluded.