Thomson unveils Just budget holiday brand

Thomson holidays, the beleaguered tour operating company, has launched a package holiday called Just, promising pared down quality holidays for travellers on a budget.

Just holidays will start at £100 and will offer short and long-haul holiday packages at competitive prices. Costs will be saved by cutting out transfers from airport to resorts, rep services and meals on short-haul flights.

Deputy managing director Shaun Powell says: “This new type of low cost holiday allows holidaymakers to spend less on what we provide so they can spend more on themselves.”

The past few months have been turbulent for Thomson and it hopes the new brand will deliver tangible benefits to the company’s profits. Thomson’s share price has sunk to well below its floatation price of 170p and earlier this week closed at 115p.

Earlier this year chief executive Paul Brett was forced to resign after cutting prices to retain its market leading position, which was frowned on by the City. And two weeks ago Thomson announced half year losses of £5m compared with £5m profit for the same period last year.

Just holidays will be on sale from September 23 with its first holidays departing from May 2000. Bookings for holidays can be taken through a travel agent or by phone.