Despite the fact that people have cut back on traveling on back of the Swine Flu outbreak, Thomas Cook has reported a definite rise in earnings for a complete year up-to September 30. The firm reported a rise in pre-tax profits to ?56.1 Million, as compared to last year's figure of ?23.7 Million, recorded for the same period. Revenue also recorded a 5.9% rise to ?9.3 Billion.

While stressing that it is optimistic about the coming times on back of "strong" growth in places like Egypt and Turkey, the company said, "We have delivered a strong performance in 2009, achieving full year results ahead of market expectations".

The strong bookings and a successful year-on-year report has come despite the impact of the global recession and swine flu outbreak. Thomas Cook had previously reported that these factors had together cost the company a total of ?12.6 Million on booking cancellations and other costs.

"Although it is still early in the cycle, bookings for summer 2010 are also in line with our expectations," said Thomas Cook Chief Executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa.

In light of the recent rise in earnings, the company is now looking to increase its dividend by 10% to 10.75 pence a share.