Travel giant TUI has argued its “unique” holidays have allowed it to differentiate itself in the UK market and boosted its market share.

Releasing its first quarter results today, chief executive Peter Long said he expects underlying operating profit to grow by up to ten per cent.

“Across all our key markets demand for the overseas holiday remains strong, despite the overall economic environment.

“We are confident that our customer focused strategy is driving performance and based on current trading we expect to be towards the top end of our roadmap guidance of seven to ten per cent underlying operating profit growth for the 2013 financial year.”

In the three months to December 31st, operating loss at the UK tour operated was reduced by £16m to £93m, with underlying operating loss at £116 million.

TUI said UK market share for summer 2013 was up four per cent, and two per cent in the key January booking period, gaining on a seven per cent increase in the same period last year.