Thomas Cook readies new Redknapp ad

Travel company Thomas Cook launches a new TV ad campaign today (26 December), with Jamie and Louise Redknapp returning as brand ambassadors.

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The original Redknapp couple ad, which ran from December last year, has been updated with more footage of the couple on the beach and a newly recorded voiceover.

The previous ad received was critically lambasted and even led to radio station talkSPORT producing a spoof version but last year Thomas Cook said the ad had helped to boost bookings by 15%.

Manny Fontenla-Novoa, Group CEO of Thomas Cook Group says: “We were very impressed with last year’s response to the Jamie and Louise campaign, so we’re really excited about working with them again.”

The advert will also be supported with radio commercials and in-store visuals.

Earlier this month Thomas Cook announced profits were down 6% to £277m (£295m) as travel companies felt the effect of the recession while poor weather and the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud affected travel plans.

Rival Thomson launched its bookings campaign on Christmas Eve. The ad is soundtracked by Beach Boys song Good Vibrations.