In a trading statement issued on Wednesday (23 September), Tui said UK summer bookings were up by 1% compared with last year while UK winter sales were “broadly in line” with 2024/25.
Tui cited “competitive market pressures", "multiple summer heatwaves across our source markets” and the impact of the conflict in the Middle East as having an effect. However, the operator froze UK capacity at 5.85 million this year, meaning the small increase in booking numbers is to be expected.
Tui said selling prices across all source markets were up by 3% but did not give figures for the UK. It added: “The UK shows positive momentum with bookings up +1% while in Germany, bookings are at -5% reflecting our strategic focus on protecting margins.”
Summer bookings in all Tui’s markets were down by 2%, it said. Key destinations were Greece, Turkey, the Balearics and Canary Islands. In long-haul, Mexico and the Dominican Republic “continue to drive the highest demand”. Tui said Egypt was “registering notable growth as a value-conscious holiday option”.
Cruise is having a positive impact for Tui. It said: “The strategic expansion of our cruise business through the addition of new ships for TUI Cruises is advancing according to plan, supported by a strong trading environment and positive market growth forecast, particularly across Europe.”
The operator will have its complete fleet of 18 cruise ships deployed this winter, increasing capacity by 13% in the first half of 2026.
Tui will reveal its full-year results on 10 December. It has upped its profit expectations to a 9-11% increase on 2024’s figure of €1.3 billion. Previously, it said the increase would be around 7-10%.
