TUI has opened bookings for the 2026 summer season earlier than usual — and demand is already surging. The tour operator launched its new programme on May 29 and logged more than 10,000 bookings on the first day alone, following a record-breaking Black Friday week.
“We prepared intensively for summer 2026,” said Benjamin Jacobi, CEO of TUI Germany. “With added TUI fly capacity and expanded allotments at high-demand hotels, we can offer more availability around the Mediterranean. Our goal remains a broad, attractive portfolio — from family trips and active holidays to our new highlight: solo travel.”
Holidaymakers now benefit from early booking discounts of up to 40 percent and the widest selection of hotels. “Planning security is still essential,” Jacobi noted. “Many customers already know not only the destination but also the room they want.”
Early booking trends place Greece at the top for summer 2026, with strong demand across Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Samos, and Halkidiki. TUI expects around four million guests to travel to the country next year. TUI fly will operate roughly 180 weekly flights from Germany to Crete, Rhodes, and Kos.
A new partnership with the Greek National Tourism Organisation aims to further boost the country’s appeal.
Greece is now nearly level with Spain in overall popularity, with Turkey close behind.
In TUI’s individual rankings, Antalya remains number one, followed by Mallorca. Greek islands — Crete, Rhodes, and Kos — take positions three to five.
Egypt is seeing a 30 percent jump in bookings, while Italy is gaining traction for road trips, supported by 70 new TUI hotels.
On long-haul routes, Mauritius and the UAE are seeing significant growth.
For summer 2026, TUI is offering families fixed child rates from €149 and free stays for children up to age 11 in select European hotels.
A special promotion running December 4–9 will allow children to travel for €99 at selected properties, including TUI Kids Clubs in Corfu, Mallorca, and Menorca.
A new TUI/Appinio survey shows shifting preferences among German travellers:
TUI is responding with new solo-travel weeks in Turkey, Crete, and the Alps, featuring curated social and activity programs.
TUI will add 15 new hotels across its brands — TUI Blue, RIU, TUI Kids Club, TUI Suneo, and Time To Smile — in summer 2026. Highlights include:
Asia remains a key growth region with more than 25 brand hotels now operating.
Italy has become the leading self-drive destination for German travellers in 2026, ahead of Germany, Austria, and Croatia. TUI is adding over 70 hotels, particularly around Lake Garda and the northern Adriatic.
TUI Tours now offers tailor-made tours in 114 destinations, up from 70. New routes include Sicily, Andalusia, Cappadocia, and the Peloponnese, with guaranteed departures from as few as four participants.
City breaks continue to grow, up nine percent, with expanded offerings in Paris, Istanbul, Athens, London, and Porto.
With early booking discounts, expanded family offers, and significant growth in its global hotel portfolio, TUI is positioning itself for a strong summer 2026. Greece stands out as the early-season frontrunner, while demand across all major regions remains strong.
“People want to plan, book, and travel — not sometime later, but now,” said Jacobi.
This post was published on 4 December 2025 16:30
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