Tui Group chief executive Sebastian Ebel indicated there had been a fall in demand for the US since Donald Trump’s re-election. "Of course there is a significant decline in US business,” he said.
“There are a lot of reasons, the atmosphere, what you hear from border control. I expect the impact will be seen, and this policy will change. Will it change in three months, will it change in three years? I’ve no idea.
“Luckily, the US business is not of essence for us. It is nice long-haul business, good margin, but it’s not a big thing. Medium term we have seen people go to Canada, [and] to other long-haul destinations. We have seen there were incidents in one country and people then move to another country.”
Ebel also spoke about difficulties UK travellers experienced following Brexit. “I am so happy there is seamless travel for me as a German to Spain," he said. "I wish it would be the same seamlessness for the UK. What I have experienced in recent months, it’s not seamless and that’s not good for the UK or Europe either."
He said it was “politically very important that we get rid of prejudices which we would have without travelling”. “For us, as a business, there are a lot of alternatives," he continued. "As a citizen, I think we should do the utmost to reduce the barriers.
"In the end, it’s a decision of local governments what they implement and the customer will react to it. The reaction has been significant. I hope travelling from the UK to Europe will be more seamless.”
Ebel warned customers would look for alternatives if the rollout of the EU Entry-Exit System was not smooth. “We have seen other countries waive visas so I think this will regulate itself and customers will look around where seamless travel is possible.
“So for me it’s not a political question, it’s a question of what countries want, and they have to live with the effects, because customers have a lot of choice.”
Ebel was speaking following publication of Tui’s third quarter results, which it hailed its strongest since the 2014 merger between Tui AG and Tui Travel Plc. Ebel also narrowed in on the importance to Tui of its own – and third-party – agents and their "proven sales strength".
