LONDON, August 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Travel giant launches new discounted long haul deals due to rise in departure tax

Thomas Cook has launched a special three-week promotion to ensure holidaymakers can still travel to far-flung destinations and not bear the burden of a Government increase in Departure Tax (APD).

The deal offers customers a saving of up to £83 per person on any long haul holiday booked from 24^th August and Thursday 13^th September 2012 and it covers departures between 1^st November 2012 and 31^st October 2013.  

The offer is ideal for families looking to book their big break in 2013, as they can secure Florida holidays with a saving of £268, which is £67 per person for a travelling family holiday for four.

For couples looking to get some sun this winter by heading to Mexico, they can save £162 (£81 per person) by booking now, whilst a family of four would save a £324, leaving more spending money for the trip.  

The move to give holidaymakers some much needed tax relief was sparked by the Government announcement that they will be raising APD again in 2013.

The tax increase will not affect holidaymakers booking cheap holidays to Cyprus or holidays to Egypt as these are considered short-haul flights.

A Thomas Cook spokesperson said: "We're committed to offering our customers the very best value for money and strenuously voice our disappointment to the Government about the increases to flight tax.  Our offer just highlights the extortionate amount holidaymakers have to pay whilst hopefully making long haul getaways more accessible whether heading off for some winter sun or planning the family trip for next year."

The offer is valid on any holiday booked with Thomas Cook, Thomas Cook Style Collection and Airtours. The deal covers some fabulous destinations including Florida, Las Vegas, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Goa.

You can make a booking for any of these places in any Thomas Cook or Going Places store or online at http://www.thomascook.com. Thomas Cook also has some great deals on short-haul options like all inclusive Turkey holidays which are not affected by the tax situation.

A Thomas Cook spokesperson added "The Government has steadfastly refused to listen to any of the arguments that the travel industry has presented on this tax and it is a great shame that at a time when they could - and should - be doing all they can to lessen the strain on hard working families, they are yet again making the consumer pay."

By booking through Thomas Cook Airlines, holidaymakers won't find it difficult to sit back and relax once the flight takes off as we boast a generous seat pitch of up to 33 inch as standard. And for the ultimate in comfort food you can be one of the first to taste Thomas Cook Airlines new in-flight meals created by celebrity chef, James Martin.  

NOTES TO EDITORS

Deals that will be on offer (price includes discount) include:

Thomas Cook - 14 nights in Cuba from £980 per person

Staying at the 4 star Sol Rio De Luna in Guardalavaca on all inclusive, Manchester - 28th November 2012

http://www.thomascook.com, 0844-412-5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook, Going Places or Co-operative Travel

Thomas Cook - 14 nights in Goa from £839 per person

Staying at the 3 star Country Inn Goa in Candolim Beach on bed & breakfast, Manchester - 2nd December 2012

http://www.thomascook.com, 0844-412-5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook, Going Places or Co-operative Travel

Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Orlando, Florida from £799 per adult and £399 per child

Staying at the 4 star Doubletree Universal Resort on International Drive on room only, Gatwick - 10th May 2013

http://www.thomascook.com, 0844-412-5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook, Going Places or Co-operative Travel

Airtours - 7 nights in Mexico from £899 per person

Staying at the 4 star Sandos Caracol Beach in Riviera Maya on all inclusive, Gatwick - 14th November 2012

http://www.airtours.co.uk, 0844-871-6636 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook, Going Places or Co-operative Travel

Airtours - 7 nights in Jamaica from £1,259 per person

Staying at the 4 star Jamaica Grand Hotel in Ochos Rios on all inclusive, Gatwick - 8th June 2013

http://www.airtours.co.uk, 0844-871-6636 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook, Going Places or Co-operative Travel

Terms & conditions

Offer is available for new bookings taken between Fri 24^th Aug - Thu 13^th Sept 2012 for holidays departing between 1^st Nov 2012 and 31^st Oct 2013. Value of APD discount varies by destination and departure date between £65pp and £83pp. Offer is valid for Thomas Cook Group package holidays only with Thomas Cook, Thomas Cook Style Collection and Airtours. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts, subject to limited availability and can be withdrawn or altered without notice. Tour operator booking conditions apply. Holidays operated by Thomas Cook Tour Operations Ltd, ATOL 1179, ABTA V6896.

Press contact:
Press Office +44(0)1733-417272
Pressoffice@thomascook.com

SOURCE Thomas Cook