Thomas Cook relaunches as online travel agent

Thomas Cook is being resurrected as an online-only travel business, precisely a year after the 178-year-old company ceased trading, stranding 150,000 holidaymakers abroad, Report says, citing The Guardian.

"We are launching now clearly aware of the pandemic's short-term challenges," French said. "We know Brits are keen to travel but feel nervous about safety and any changes to government rules on quarantine. We are only selling destinations on the travel corridor list, and all the hotels are flexible. We won't charge customers a fee to change their holidays if government rules change."

The relaunch is backed by Fosun Tourism Group, the Chinese conglomerate that bought the Thomas Cook brand and online assets for £11m in November. Fosun also owns Club Med.

Founded in 1841, Thomas Cook will operate online as a travel Agency, initially selling trips to countries such as Turkey and Italy and some regions of Greece, upon return from which its customers do not need to undergo a two-week quarantine. In the future, as the restrictions imposed by the British government in connection with the spread of a new coronavirus infection are lifted, the company will add new directions.