Prospects for the Thomas Cook revival as an OTA

This week's news of the imminent revival of the Thomas Cook brand as a new OTA wasn't unexpected, but has promoted debates about its prospects.

Plans to bring the brand back under its new Chinese owner Fosun, which bought what remained of the failed operator for £11 million last November, predate COVID-19.

In January Fosun put together a team of 15 travel industry professionals, including Cook's former strategy and technology officer Alan French, former head sales, e-commerce and marketing Phil Gardner and former finance officer Raj Sharma.

Since, the brand is understood to have been preparing for a relaunch and is close to finalising regulatory arrangement with the UK regulator the CAA.