Greece emerged as the No1 tourist destination for TUI Austria this summer tourist season, achieving numbers in bookings that have not been recorded before, as stated by the CEO of the tour operator, Gottfried Math.
As mr. Math, the “protagonist” of the summer season of 2024 was once again Greece, to which TUI operates flights until November this year, thus extending the tourist season until the last month of autumn, adding meaningfully: “We had never recorded such numbers before”.
After Greece, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Egypt and Croatia followed in terms of demand this summer.
TUI Austria recorded a 25% increase in bookings made in January, which can be attributed to the advance booking trend, which returned this year, combined with strong last-minute bookings.
According to Mr Math, it is not clear to what extent TUI has benefited from the FTI bankruptcy, however since the end of June there has been a 10% increase in travelers to German-speaking markets, with half -5% – probably due , in the bankruptcy of the competing tour operator.
By creating and operating new hotel units, TUI is focusing on the expansion of previously less known tourist destinations such as Cape Verde and Zanzibar. In the medium term, it is planned to add to the company’s portfolio 600 hotels and resorts of all categories, all over the world.
Meanwhile, great potential is being seen in luxury vacations, with the global market valued at US$140 billion and forecast to grow by 11.4% by 2032.
The trends for winter
The trend for early bookings has resulted in a good start to bookings for the upcoming winter season, which is currently forecast to grow at a double-digit rate.
According to Mr Math, prices are seeing moderate increases, slightly below inflation, while demand is particularly strong for 4- and 5-star hotels and all-inclusive holidays. In terms of all-in holidays, TUI Austria records a 20% increase in demand.
