Thomas Cook has confirmed it will pay Air Passenger Duty for customers on long-haul holidays in an attempt to kick-start winter sales.

As it struggles to rebalance financially, Thomas Cook will pay up to £83 per passenger to cover departure taxes from UK airports between November this year and October 2013.

Bookings must be made between August 24th and September 13th.

A Thomas Cook spokesperson said: ‘We are committed to offering our customers the very best value for money and strenuously voice our disappointment to the Government about the increases to flight tax.

“Our offer just highlights the extortionate amount holidaymakers have to pay whilst hopefully making long haul getaways more accessible whether heading off for some winter sun or planning the family trip for next year.

2The Government has steadfastly refused to listen to any of the arguments that the travel industry has presented on this tax and it is a great shame that at a time when they could – and should – be doing all they can to lessen the strain on hard working families, they are yet again making the consumer pay.”