Specialist holiday company, Holidaybreak, has announced the preliminary results for a "robust" year to 30 September.

Group turnover for the period was up 19 per cent to £260m and operating profit - before goodwill, amortisation, impairment and exceptionals - rose 9 per cent to £31.8m. However, pre-tax profits dropped from £24m in 2002 to £20.7m.

The camping division saw sales up 18 per cent to £128.4m but operating profit was flat at £18.9m compared with £19m last year. Sales were held back by the Iraq war effect but saw a good recovery after Easter. Year on year sales for the current year are down 20 per cent.

Sales of hotel breaks were up 27 per cent to £97.8m and operating profit up 41 per cent to £11m, the sector's performance being helped by a trend towards both shorter holidays and holidays in the UK. Sales for the current year are 37 per cent up.

Adventure holidays saw an increase in sales, despite the Iraq and various local wars, terrorist incidents and SARS, rising 2.1 per cent to £33.3m. Operating profit was down from £2.4m last year to £1.9m. 2004 sales are currently up 8 per cent.

Looking to the future, chair, Robert Ayling, said: "We look forward to further progress in 2004, believe we are well placed to meet the challenges ahead and that longer term prospects remain excellent." Details: www.holidaybreak.co.uk