Press release from Thomas Cook: European Rail Timetable and guidebooks

Following intense speculation on social media late last week, Thomas Cook have today made a statement about their publishing arm, which is set to close this summer. The full text of the press release appears below. You may also like to look at our short article published yesterday here in European Rail News.

We wish to reiterate that there is a plan for another company to take over the European Rail Timetable. We shall publish details of that venture in due course.

Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries

Press release from Thomas Cook

1 July 2013

Thomas Cook – Travel Guidebooks and Timetables

As part of the on-going transformation and strategic review of Thomas Cook’s UK & Ireland business, the company has reluctantly taken the decision to withdraw from the published travel guidebook and timetable market from September 2013.

Mike Hoban, Sales, Marketing & Ecommerce Director for Thomas Cook UK & Ireland said: “We’d like to thank our business contacts, customers and staff for their loyalty and support over the years that we have been operating as a Publisher.”

Notes to editors:

With the company focus turning to its core products, this decision will bring to an end the sale of its established portfolio of travel guidebooks, along with the ceasing of the publication of the European Rail Timetable, for which August 2013 will be the final edition.

Customers with subscriptions are being contacted regarding refunds.

Staff who are affected by this decision are being offered full support and alternative employment where possible.